On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, journalist Edmundo C\u00e1zares revealed he has received death threats via phone calls originating from Puebla after republishing a 1999 interview with writer Carlos Monsiv\u00e1is. The interview includes contentious claims about former president Andr\u00e9s Manuel L\u00f3pez Obrador, notably suggesting a homosexual relationship between L\u00f3pez Obrador and Monsiv\u00e1is.<\/p>\n
C\u00e1zares, speaking during a radio interview, emphasized that he has not engaged in defamation or slander despite the heated controversy. He stated, \u201cI have never defamed or slandered anyone,\u201d defending the republication that reignited political tensions across Mexico.<\/p>\n
The controversy began when the interview resurfaced, drawing attention because Monsiv\u00e1is\u2019s statements referenced L\u00f3pez Obrador during his time as the national leader of the PRD and future head of Mexico City\u2019s government. The republication triggered strong reactions, including sharp criticism from Mexico City\u2019s current mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, and debates in the Senate involving both opposition and ruling party legislators.<\/p>\n
Adding complexity, Monsiv\u00e1is\u2019s family publicly denied several claims in the interview. They refuted the suggestion that L\u00f3pez Obrador lived with Monsiv\u00e1is and argued that some attributed expressions do not align with the writer\u2019s style or beliefs. The family also hinted at possible legal action to challenge the interview\u2019s content.<\/p>\n
A key point fueling the dispute is that C\u00e1zares has yet to locate the original cassette recording of the 1999 conversation. He is reportedly reviewing hundreds of personal archive recordings to find evidence supporting the interview\u2019s authenticity.<\/p>\n
Beyond the political storm, the threats against C\u00e1zares highlight the ongoing dangers faced by journalists in Mexico. National and international organizations have long documented harassment, intimidation, and violence against media workers, which often leads to self-censorship and undermines freedom of expression.<\/p>\n
As of now, no formal complaints or official investigations have been reported regarding the threatening calls from Puebla. Meanwhile, the debate over the Monsiv\u00e1is interview continues to dominate political discussions this week, underscoring the fragile intersection of media, politics, and personal safety in Mexico.<\/p>\n