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MasterChef Celebrity marked by jury-contestant tension

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2026-10-19 20:44 UTC → 2026-10-27 11:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The premiere of MasterChef Celebrity on Telefe has been characterized by significant friction between the jury and participants. During the first group challenge, judge Germán Martitegui engaged in a direct confrontation with participant Elizabeth ‘La Negra’ Vernaci, reprimanding her for interrupting his feedback. ~~The tension escalated when Martitegui warned Vernaci, ‘No, I didn’t remember late because I could eliminate you now.’ Additionally,~~ Vernaci also reportedly clashed with production over refusing to follow traditions like saying ‘Yes Chef’. Further tension arose during a recording session when participant China Ansa described Vernaci as ‘impulsive’ and ‘verborrágica’ following a disagreement over culinary decisions. Vernaci has since stated she joined for the prize money and will not ‘kneel to make you like what I do.’ Recent episodes have seen further ~~tension and~~ incidents, including comedian Pachu Peña facing criticism from Martitegui and Damián Betular for serving undercooked ingredients, and participant Juli Poggio suffering a minor hand ~~burn during~~ burn. A separate verbal exchange occurred between contestants Marta Fort and Juli Poggio regarding the sharing of physical training photos in a ~~challenge.~~ group chat, during which Fort told Poggio, ‘No seas envidiosa’ (Don't be envious). Host Wanda Nara has ~~also~~ contributed to the ~~show's~~ provocative atmosphere; during an interaction with ~~participant~~ Lizy Tagliani, Nara made a ~~humorous but~~ pointed reference to the ‘Wanda Gate’ ~~scandal involving China Suárez,~~ scandal, stating, ‘Ah, was he married? Another family you destroyed, slut.’ The judging panel, which includes Martitegui, Betular, and Maru Botana (replacing Donato De Santis), has faced scrutiny. Botana has defended her tasting methods against social media criticism, comparing her approach to a wine tasting where one does not need to consume a full glass to form an opinion. Regarding the cast, musician L-Gante addressed his ~~departure prior to the premiere. While initial reports suggested his absence was due to lack of attendance at preparatory classes, L-Gante later clarified~~ departure, clarifying at the Martín Fierro de la Música awards that he withdrew due to ‘personal reasons and scheduling conflicts’ related to his musical commitments. The judging panel, which includes Martitegui, Betular, and Maru Botana (replacing Donato De Santis), has also faced scrutiny. Journalist Nico Peralta noted social media criticism regarding Botana’s tasting methods, specifically her tendency to taste very small portions compared to other judges. Despite these frictions, the program has maintained strong viewership. Hosted He was replaced by ~~Wanda Nara, the show reached rating peaks of 15.3 points, helping Telefe regain double-digit audience shares and significantly outperforming competitors.~~ actor Mike Amigorena.

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