The broadcaster in Argentina who falsely claimed Lionel Messi’s dad had died has issued an emotional apology and stepped down from her job with the broadcaster.
The Messi family issued a statement on Thursday explaining that Jorge, 68, is undergoing a ‘health situation’ after his son was seen in tears during defending champion Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday.
But before they spoke out, the situation had taken an unfortunate turn on Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano in Messi’s homeland, when presenter Florencia Pena told the audience: ‘I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.’
She then added: ‘Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.’
Later on Thursday, Pena issued a statement apologizing for the error and saying that she was ‘deeply ashamed’ over what happened.
‘I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through,’ she said. ‘I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain.
Florencia Pena has stepped down from her job after saying Lionel Messi’s dad had died
Lionel Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals against Algeria
Jorge, 68, operates as Messi’s agent and business manager, and the pair are extremely close
‘I must clarify that this false information was provided to me during the live broadcast as verified by the production team of the show, and I trusted it.
‘Even so, I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that’s why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu. I apologize again from the heart; I was wrong.’
As the fake news circulated online, Pena stated on air a few moments later: ‘There are a lot of rumors, it’s all over Twitter, it’s not confirmed by any media outlet, we’re clarifying this just in case.’
Messi is extremely close to his dad, 68, who also operates as his agent and de facto business manager, overseeing his son’s multi-million dollar empire off the field.
Luzu TV added: ‘We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the program. For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable.
‘Consequently, Luzu TV management has decided to part ways with all those responsible, and Florencia Peña has decided to step aside.
‘We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication.’
MORE TO FOLLOW
