Miguel Crispi Considers Legal Action Against Canal 13 Over Cancer Report Misrepresentation

Original article: Miguel Crispi evalúa acciones legales contra Canal 13 por reportaje sobre funcionaria con cáncer que renunció voluntariamente pero fue presentada como «despedida» por el gobierno de Boric

The former chief advisor to Gabriel Boric’s government, Miguel Crispi, is contemplating legal action against Canal 13 due to a recent report accusing him of firing a cancer-stricken employee, who had voluntarily resigned 11 days before Crispi took office at La Moneda.

The report aired on April 23, titled «Farewell with Cancer: The Ignored Plea of the Boric Government,» centered around the allegations made by Eleonora Espinoza, the former head of the Undersecretariat for Regional and Administrative Development (Subdere). Espinoza, who currently serves as the Director of Community Development in Santiago, was also featured alongside Mayor Mario Desbordes in the broadcast.

Espinoza claims that she was dismissed on March 11, 2022, while recovering from breast reconstruction surgery, and stated she requested to remain in her position for a few months to utilize her health insurance.

This claim was immediately refuted with supporting documents by Crispi, who pointed out that Espinoza voluntarily resigned, with her resignation accepted on February 28, 2022, by María Paz Troncoso from the outgoing Piñera administration.

Crispi further noted, «This case was never communicated to me formally or informally by the outgoing Undersecretariat’s team during the transition process.»

Canal 13 Aware of the Facts

At this juncture, Crispi emphasized that «Canal 13 was aware of these facts—including the date of the resignation acceptance—and still chose to air this report, publicizing a serious accusation against me, knowing it was entirely unfounded.»

«Regardless of the motivations the complainant may have, particularly Mayor Desbordes, to raise this issue, the media has the duty to discern between substantiated matters and those lacking foundation,» Crispi added.

For these reasons, the former La Moneda advisor stated, «I am currently evaluating the possibility of initiating legal action for damage to my honor against Canal 13 and those involved in the creation and broadcasting of this report (…). Denying a worker’s right to health for political reasons is an immoral stance. Thus, the report aired by Canal 13 has deeply harmed my honor,» emphasized Miguel Crispi.

We will continue to provide updates.