Chile's Ítalo Omegna scandal prompts resignations and political backlash

Libertarian activist Ítalo Omegna appeared in a video where he made sexual remarks about minors and mocked children with autism. The clip, disseminated via the streaming program "La Cofradía," sparked outrage across Chile.

In response, former minister Evelyn Matthei condemned Omegna’s conduct, labeling the remarks as "ill‑minded" and denouncing the platform that allowed them. She also used the controversy to criticize the right‑wing "Escucha su corazón" abortion proposal. Following the scandal, Omegna resigned as parliamentary adviser to deputy Hans Marowski and left the Instituto Mises Cono Sur. He issued a public apology and said he will appear before the prosecutor, while the Partido Nacional Libertario opened disciplinary proceedings.

Actress Cata Pulido, who said she knows Omegna personally, initially defended him as a friend and praised his work with vulnerable communities. She later clarified she would not defend his statements, describing the video as a "political and governmental" misstep and criticizing those who uploaded it.