Argentine actress Florencia Peña returned to the stage Thursday night to perform the play "Las hijas" at the Paseo La Plaza theatre [1], [2].
The return follows a public scandal in which Peña mistakenly announced the death of Lionel Messi's father [1], [2]. The incident sparked a wider debate regarding the spread of fake news and the responsibility of public figures when sharing unverified information.
During the performance on June 18 [1], the audience provided applause and support during the final greeting [1], [2]. This reception occurred as Peña faced significant criticism for the error regarding the Messi family. The play, staged in Buenos Aires, served as the actress's first public appearance after the controversy reached its peak [2].
Despite the reports of applause, Peña expressed feelings of being targeted. "¿Me quieren poner en un paredón y pegarme?" she said [1]. The phrase, which translates to asking if they want to put her against a wall and shoot her, suggests a perceived hostility from her critics that persisted even during the theatrical event [1].
The incident highlights the volatility of social media reporting in Argentina, where news about global icons like Messi can trigger immediate and widespread reactions. Peña's error caused a brief period of confusion before the information was corrected as fake news [1], [2].
Observers noted the contrast between the live audience's response at Paseo La Plaza and the digital backlash Peña faced online. While the theatre crowd offered support, the actress's own words indicate a deeper sense of professional and personal vulnerability following the scandal [1].
“"¿Me quieren poner en un paredón y pegarme?"”
This event illustrates the tension between live public reception and the lasting impact of digital misinformation. While a physical audience may offer forgiveness or support, the actress's reaction shows that the psychological toll of a 'fake news' scandal remains high, especially when it involves a figure as revered as Lionel Messi in Argentina.
