Cuban television host Cristina Saralegui's decision to support Julio Iglesias , amidst sexual abuse investigations filed by two of his former employees, revived outrage over the so-called "queen of Spanish-language television in the United States," for what was perceived as support for former Menudo manager Edgardo Diaz.
Saralegui, who was one of those who convinced Iglesias to move to Miami when the Spanish artist was conquering the global market, has been retired for years and rarely ventures into the public eye. This weekend, the iconic presenter and journalist added her voice to the thousands who are commenting on the sexual abuse scandal that has erupted around the singer-songwriter.
His voice was not entirely well received.
The host of the legendary Cristina Show interviewed Iglesias several times and considered him a close friend. She wasn't the only famous Latina in the artist's circle. Julio Iglesias was the king of Miami in the 80s and 90s, when the record industry specializing in Spanish-language music was just emerging in the United States.
While most public figures have chosen to stay out of the scandal that erupted last week, when two former employees of Iglesias accused him of sexual abuse, Saralegui decided not only to break the silence, but also the invisible rule of trusting victims unless proven otherwise.
"I love you so much, my love," were the words the queen of Spanish-language television chose to use to address the situation. The reactions have been brutal.
A post shared by instagram
"She's not that active on social media and to come out with this... It's best to let justice decide... I understand he's a man of his time, but I don't think these girls would invent such madness... You're a woman too... He may have your support, most likely you have dinner together, etc... but God will bring the truth to light, and if all that is true, may those girls get justice," reads one of the comments.
"There are videos abusing the personal space of TV presenters... There is evidence!" says another.
His relationship with Edgardo Díaz
Although Iglesias' case is just beginning, members of Menudo have denounced for years the sexual and other types of abuse they suffered while they were part of the group.
In 1991, several former members of the group Menudo publicly accused their manager and creator, Edgardo Díaz , of physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse . These testimonies marked a turning point, as the case reached mainstream media when one of the young men, Ralphy Rodríguez, appeared on camera with his father to denounce Díaz. Díaz, for his part, denied the accusations live on a television program hosted by Cristina Saralegui , who at the time was one of the most influential presenters among Hispanic audiences in the United States.
@melybgchismesitosiquesi8#chismesitosiquesi8 #menudo #menudomania #edgardodiazpreso
♬ sonido original - MelodyBGchismesitos.8
The criticisms, which at the time were barely doubts, arose after the release of the docuseries Menudo: Forever Young on HBO Max, where former members describe abuses and point out that for many years the traditional media, including Hispanic television, represented Díaz favorably , which according to some critics contributed to the allegations not receiving the public scrutiny they deserved at the time.
Some entertainment programs and opinion columns went further, claiming that media figures from the Menudo circle, including Saralegui and other presenters of the time, may have helped to "wash away" or soften Díaz's image by not investigating the allegations more thoroughly when they first emerged .
The comments regarding support for Iglesias showed that fans haven't forgotten. Here are some of the opinions on the matter:
"Omg, she never learns. First she supports the pedophile from Menudo and now this."
"LET'S NOT FORGET THAT I ALSO SUPPORT @EDGARDO DIAZ, WHO TOOK ADVANTAGE OF MENUDO."
"I liked you Cristina, but again supporting abusive maniacs, just like you supported Edgardo Díaz, one less follower ➖️ for you," another added.
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