During a live broadcast of the Olga program from Mar del Plata, former footballer Maxi López made a transphobic comment referring to host Florencia de la V, disregarding her gender identity. The remark caused discomfort in the studio and strong backlash on social media. Later, Florencia de la V issued a statement addressing the ex-athlete's comments.
The incident took place on January 15, 2026, during the 'Sería Increíble' segment of the Olga program, broadcast from Mar del Plata. Host Nati Jota posed a lighthearted question about which public figure man the participants would kiss. Maxi López, former River Plate striker and MasterChef contestant, interrupted with a controversial remark: 'It wouldn't be just male, it would have to be... Florencia de la Vega, for example.' This response disregarded the gender identity of Florencia de la V, host of 'Intrusos,' and mispronounced her surname as 'de la Vega' instead of 'de la V.'
Nati Jota quickly reacted to correct the situation: 'No Maxi, not like that!', and clarified that Florencia is legally a woman. However, López doubled down by mockingly asking for the correct name, heightening the discomfort on air. The moment went viral on social media, where users labeled it 'violent' and 'outdated,' calling for the ex-footballer's cancellation and criticizing how such comments promote discrimination.
This is not López's first scandal in Argentine media. A week earlier, on 'Cortá por Lozano,' he drew outrage by joking about rushing his wife Daniela Christiansson's C-section to meet work commitments. López defended himself by saying he aimed to 'de-dramatize,' but it failed to sway the audience. The backlash over the comment against Florencia questions his future in TV and streaming, underscoring a disconnect with 2026 sensitivities.
Hours later, Florencia de la V issued a strong statement on López's 'reprehensible comments,' according to initial reports.
