TV host fired over racist comment about Michelle Obama
US talk show host Rodner Figueroa has been fired for saying Michelle Obama looks like someone from the cast of "Planet of the Apes."
He made the comment while discussing a viral video during a live segment of the popular program 'El Gordo Y la Flaca.'
The video shows a makeup artist transforming herself into different celebrities, including the First Lady.
“You know Michelle Obama looks like she is off the cast of “The Planet Of The Apes,” he said while pointing at a picture of her.
The @RodnerFigueroa comments about @MichelleObama were awful. @Univision has fired him. Not surprised. http://t.co/GcSRGlJvHe
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) March 12, 2015
Happy that @Univision dumped #rodnerfigueroa for his comments about #MichelleObama just waiting for @Colgate @OpticWhite to do the same
— Manny Gonzalez (@Mannyharlem) March 12, 2015
Figueroa's co-hosts were quick to call him up on his comments.
Hostesses Lili Estefan asked him "What are you saying?" while Raul de Molina said Obama was very attractive.
The Emmy award-winning host is well known for his biting fashion commentary but his remarks about the First Lady caused a backlash online.
In a statement, a Univision spokesperson said racism would not be tolerated.
#rodnerfigueroa may not be racist, but his comment was! He deserves to be fired not so much for being racist but for being stupid.
— david zelaya (@davidzelaya14) March 12, 2015
Freedom of speech doesn't mean there won't be consequences for what you say. Say what you want but be ready for the fallout. #rodnerfigueroa
— Courtney O'Neal (@Firstladyofatl) March 12, 2015
Figueroa’s comments were described as "completely reprehensible" and said they "in no way reflect the values or opinions of Univision."
News break – March 13
