Industry figures collide as a popular morning show returns with a controversial moment
Alfonso Arús and his team returned to laSexta for a new season this Monday. The morning program, fresh off a strong audience from a recent holiday break, also sparked conversation due to content that some viewers felt crossed a line. One of the episode’s featured personalities, Frank Cuesta, weighed in after discovering he was highlighted as a central figure in the segment titled zascas.
The incident traces back to August 31 when the show surfaced footage showing Frank answering criticism he had received on social media. He stated clearly that he believes he stands as a major reference in Spain and perhaps in Latin regions, equating his influence to that of renowned naturalist Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente.
On set, Arús joked about the moment, remarking that the scene represented a rare blend of blunt retort and humor, a dynamic he contrasted with Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente. A remark heard on the studio floor referenced the famous line from Aramis Fuster’s peak in a moment of lighthearted banter.
What followed surprised many: Frank Cuesta publicly responded on his own channels with a direct message to the program. He wrote that while he had not met the host in person, he had seen a clip that mocked his work and claimed a comparison to Aramís Fuster. He stressed that decades spent protecting animal lives and inspiring younger audiences should be treated with respect rather than ridicule.
Cuesta then reflected on his career and stated that if a summary of his projects were to rely on mockery of his efforts, it would misrepresent his true mission. He emphasized the importance of his 25 years dedicated to conservation and education, urging respect for the enduring work of others in a public forum that reaches a wide audience. He appealed for a fair treatment of his contributions and a recognition of the authentic goals that drive his programs.
In a bid to address the dispute, the Aruser@s team issued a response on Twitter. They clarified that there was no intention to belittle Frank Cuesta. The show described itself as a comedy program and expressed regret if the remarks caused offense. They highlighted a history of celebrating Cuesta’s work and contributions to nature programming, and extended a courteous greeting to him as part of the ongoing dialogue about humor and media responsibility.
The episode underscores the delicate balance between entertainment value and respectful representation in televised formats. As audiences in Canada and the United States consume multilingual content, reactions to such moments often reflect broader conversations about tone, critique, and the responsibilities of hosts when engaging with public figures.