Argentine television presenter Florencia Peña has resigned from her position after mistakenly announcing on live television that Jorge Messi, the father of football star Lionel Messi, had died.
The incident happened during the programme El Show del Verano on Luzu TV.
Reports said Peña received the incorrect information through her earpiece from members of the production team and went on to relay it during the broadcast without knowing it was false.
The report quickly gained attention and spread across different platforms before members of the Messi family clarified that the information was untrue.
Jorge Messi is alive and is reportedly recovering from health-related issues.
Following the mistake, Luzu TV released a statement condemning the broadcast of unverified information, especially on a sensitive matter involving a person's life.
The station described the error as unacceptable and announced that action would be taken against those responsible for the incident.
The television network also confirmed that some members of the production team would be dismissed because of the mistake.
Peña, on her part, chose to step down from her role after the controversy.
Shortly after leaving her position, the presenter publicly apologised to the Messi family through social media.
She admitted feeling ashamed about the pain and confusion caused by the false report and disclosed that she had personally reached out to Lionel Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, to express her regret.
In a later appearance on another television programme, Sálvese Quien Pueda, Peña became emotional as she explained the events that led to the mistake and her eventual resignation.
She said the incorrect information had come from the production team and was passed to her while she was on air.
The controversy generated widespread reactions across Argentina.
Among those who commented on the issue was Javier Milei, who criticised the presenter on social media and defended the Messi family after the false report surfaced.
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