Eugenio Derbez Teletón México Backlash: Comedian Minimizes Criticism, Continues to Deny he Profited From Hosting Gig
After deleting his Facebook page and being publicly challenged to a debate by a 10-year-old girl, Eugenio Derbez is finally speaking out about the backlash he got from hosting Teletón México.
The comedian became upset when he realized the goal set for the telethon would not be met. Many Mexicans refused to donate money after the missing students from Ayotzinapa were reported as dead, but the actor believed there was no reason to take it out on the telethon, which raises money for children.
"Today we are so mad, so worried about other stuff that we forgot to [come together]," he said. "Today those of us who are trying to extend a helping hand to our Mexican children, we are attacked, we are crucified. They don't believe us."
This only served to further upset viewers, and Derbez received negative comments on his social media pages, which seemingly caused him to shut down his popular Facebook page, according to La Opinión.
During the premiere of "Spare Parts," Derbez spoke to Entravision and said it was only a small portion of the public who was criticizing him. He also believed information was "manipulated." He said the comments didn't "worry him," notes La Opinión.
Though he was seen as defending the Mexican government during the telethon, the comedian explained he is also frustrated by the violence that exists in Mexico.
The actor does not normally get involved in politics, he said, according to KPMR News.
"And I am not used to getting involved in politics," he said. "Nobody gets paid for the teleton. I said it then and I continue saying it. Whoever brings me a contract [so that we could be paid] would see me donating that money."
The young indigenous girl who challenged Derbez disagreed with his statements and said Mexico was united against the government.
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