Argentine journalist Florencia Peña announced live on the show The Summer Show broadcast by Luzu TV, the death of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel MessiProblem: the information was false. Jorge Messi is alive, although he is currently receiving medical treatment for a health issue.
The mistake was made live on air.
The Argentinian presenter made the announcement on air after receiving the information during the broadcast. She later explained that the news had been relayed to her live by the production team via her earpiece. The error immediately sparked a heated controversy in Argentina, where the Messi family quickly denied the death.
A public apology, then a departure
After the false information was broadcast, Florencia Peña publicly apologized. She acknowledged the seriousness of the error, stated that she was ashamed, and accepted responsibility. She subsequently left Luzu TV. Several Argentinian media outlets reported that her departure was demanded by the channel, while others reported that the presenter herself had announced her resignation.
Luzu TV cuts short
The channel reacted by condemning the error and announcing internal measures. Those involved in spreading the false information have been dismissed. Luzu TV founder Nicolás Occhiato publicly distanced himself from the blunder.
The player's mother, Celia Cuccittini, has accepted Florencia Peña's apology, according to reports in Argentina.
