MikeLigalig.com

Host fired for 'Planet of Apes' remark on Paolo Ballesteros' photo of Michelle Obama
Manila Bulletin â€" 17 hours ago


The United States' largest Spanish-language television channel has fired a key presenter who said First Lady Michelle Obama looked like a cast member from "Planet of the Apes," Univision said Thursday.

Venezuelan host Rodner Figueroa made the comment Wednesday during the evening "El Gordo y La Flaca" program, as moderators discussed Paolo Ballesteros, a make-up artist who had transformed himself into a variety of female celebrity figures, including Obama.

As images of Ballesteros plus Obama appeared on the screen, Figueroa commented in Spanish that "Michelle Obama looks like a cast member of 'Planet of the Apes'."

Univision moved swiftly to fire Figueroa.

"Yesterday during our entertainment program 'El Gordo y La Flaca' Rodner Figueroa made comments regarding First Lady Michelle Obama that were completely reprehensible," Univision said in a statement.

"As a result, Mr Figueroa was immediately terminated."

Figueroa, nicknamed "El Fashionista," made a name for himself on Univision as a fashion expert, with frequent commentary and critiques of US and Latin stars plus red-carpet interviews.

original 'planet of the apes' cast:

    Charlton Heston
    Roddy McDowall
    Kim Hunter
    Maurice Evans
    Linda Harrison
    James Whitmore
    James Daly
    Robert Gunner

remake 'planet of the apes' cast:

    Mark Wahlberg
    Tim Roth
    Helena Bonham Carter
    Michael Clarke Duncan
    Paul Giamatti
    Estella Warren

Hmm, Figueroa was most likely referring to the film remake. Perhaps he had in mind the Helena Bonham Carter character?