On June 18, El Universal published a controversial piece by journalist Edmundo Cázarez, presented as a tribute to the late writer Carlos Monsiváis on the 16th anniversary of his death. The article revived an alleged 27-year-old interview in which Monsiváis supposedly claimed to have sheltered Andrés Manuel López Obrador for nine months when AMLO was 19, fleeing Macuspana, Tabasco, after accidentally killing his brother. The text also included a suggestive mention of “delicious and fun nights” spent together.

However, El Universal later admitted it could not verify the authenticity of this interview or the claims made within it. In response, Morena’s national leadership has demanded a formal, direct, and public apology to the former president for the unfounded insinuations.

This episode highlights ongoing tensions around media responsibility and the portrayal of public figures in Mexico. For many, it raises questions about the ethics of reviving unsubstantiated stories that can affect personal dignity and political discourse. Meanwhile, Morena’s call for accountability underscores the party’s stance on protecting the reputations of its leaders amid a polarized media landscape.