Mass public outrage is occurring all around the world, but especially in the United States, due to the many sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood and politics. These accusations surround many of the industry’s top dogs.
Mario Kreutzberger, better known as Don Francisco, is one of Univision’s most popular personalities and television host of Sabado Gigante – the longest-running television variety series in history.
the biggest scam es que Don Francisco no se llama Francisco
— crisa ミ♡︎ (@solesmorados) November 6, 2017
He got ahead of the curve and opened up about the sexual harassment allegations that were thrown at him 15 years ago. One would assume that one of the most iconic casanovas in Television would try to keep a low profile during this strange time.
“I’ve been accused of harassment and I can tell you that 15 years have passed since then and that was false,” Don Francisco explained to the Chilean newspaper, La Tercera. “I participated in Congress drafting the law against harassment because when they accused me, there was no such law.”
“I have been accused of several things, and I can tell you, responsibly, that everyone did it for the use and abuse of my name,” continued the 76-year-old TV host. “To extort money from me.”
https://twitter.com/aurabogado/status/589159609392361472
The famous Chilean was referring to a sexual harassment lawsuit by Ana Isabel Gómez, a former model of his television show. Gómez alleged that Don Francisco assaulted her in a hotel room in 1989.
The comical TV presenter used “the kiss on the cheek,” a popular greeting in Latin America, as an example to clarify the cultural differences between Latinos and Americans. He feels they might consider a hello and/or goodbye kiss a form of harassment.
“I believe that harassment is when you use your position to get sexual favors,” added Don Francisco. One of Don Francisco’s signature features is his goofy stage persona, and would often steal kisses from models of his show on live TV.
https://twitter.com/MarisolGee/status/449332370911404033
The veteran host believes his motives are innocent and does not consider his behavior a form of misconduct, saying, “I don’t mean to say that my jokes don’t cross the line, but I always apologize for that.
“I apologize right now. When I have crossed the line, for example when interviewing someone, I later apologize publicly.”
According to The New York Times critics, Don Francisco is a wild mix of “Ed Sullivan, Regis Philbin, Art Linkletter, Bob Barker, Geraldo Rivera and Phil Donahue — with a dash of Oprah Winfrey’s civic-mindedness.”
how long before they hit Don Francisco with sexual harassment allegations? Man used to do it on live TV
— Ⓙ (@Frais) October 31, 2017
Article inspired by Latin Times // Don Francisco Talks Sexual Harassment, Says He Was Accused Fifteen Years Ago