Flor Peña faces backlash over Messi fake news, defended by son Juan Otero

Argentine actress Flor Peña aired a false report on her program claiming the death of Lionel Messi’s father. She later expressed remorse, saying she was "very sad and deeply sorry" and "apologizes from the heart".

The segment sparked a massive wave of online abuse toward Peña. Her son, Juan Otero, condemned the treatment, calling the media hypocritical for spreading fake news and labeling the attack "massive". He added that the hostility seemed pre‑planned, noting "they were waiting to attack her".

Otero emphasized that the incident was not political, but a backlash against a woman who speaks openly, and warned that the vitriol could jeopardize his mother’s future work opportunities.