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Mexico`s Answer To Evita Grilled By Clown On TV
Mexico City, May 23: A media saga over the private life of Mexico`s first lady took a bizarre twist when she defended herself against allegations of abuse of power in a live television interview with a clown.
Mexico City, May 23: A media saga over the private life of Mexico's first lady took a bizarre twist when she defended herself against allegations of abuse of power in a live television interview with a clown.
Marta Sahagun denied accusations in a biography about to be published that she is an ambitious schemer who manipulates President Vicente Fox. The book also accuses Sahagun of witchcraft.
''One's private life should be respected and respected truthfully. What has been said here about (my) private life is a lie,'' Sahagun, 50, said on a popular morning news show on Televisa Network Wednesday.
The show is hosted by actor Victor Trujillo, who as ''Brozo'' the clown dresses in a red nose and bright green wig to present news and interview guests.
The book, ''The Boss Lady,'' is not in bookstores but lengthy excerpts have appeared in Mexican newspapers and magazines.
Fox's conservative national action party faces tough midterm legislative elections in July but it was not clear whether the book and other media criticism of his wife as wielding too much influence would affect the vote.
Written by Argentine biographer Olga Wornat, the book says Sahagun's children by her first marriage are involved in shady business deals and have used presidential planes for trips illegally.
''There is no abuse of power, there is no illegality in the use of state resources. Absolutely none,'' said Sahagun.
At one point she turned to the camera and said: ''Let me tell my children, 'Children, I trust you.'''
The book also alleges Sahagun burned photographs of personal foes, including Fox's first wife, in a witchcraft ceremony to cleanse the President of their influence.
The clown, who often gives guests rough treatment during interviews, threw few hardball questions at the First Lady.
Sahagun, the head of a charitable organization, is increasingly being compared to late Argentine First Lady Eva ''Evita'' Peron, another strong woman with a penchant for political wrangling and an interest in charity work.
Bureau Report
''One's private life should be respected and respected truthfully. What has been said here about (my) private life is a lie,'' Sahagun, 50, said on a popular morning news show on Televisa Network Wednesday.
The show is hosted by actor Victor Trujillo, who as ''Brozo'' the clown dresses in a red nose and bright green wig to present news and interview guests.
The book, ''The Boss Lady,'' is not in bookstores but lengthy excerpts have appeared in Mexican newspapers and magazines.
Fox's conservative national action party faces tough midterm legislative elections in July but it was not clear whether the book and other media criticism of his wife as wielding too much influence would affect the vote.
Written by Argentine biographer Olga Wornat, the book says Sahagun's children by her first marriage are involved in shady business deals and have used presidential planes for trips illegally.
''There is no abuse of power, there is no illegality in the use of state resources. Absolutely none,'' said Sahagun.
At one point she turned to the camera and said: ''Let me tell my children, 'Children, I trust you.'''
The book also alleges Sahagun burned photographs of personal foes, including Fox's first wife, in a witchcraft ceremony to cleanse the President of their influence.
The clown, who often gives guests rough treatment during interviews, threw few hardball questions at the First Lady.
Sahagun, the head of a charitable organization, is increasingly being compared to late Argentine First Lady Eva ''Evita'' Peron, another strong woman with a penchant for political wrangling and an interest in charity work.
Bureau Report