Paolo Ballesteros makes news worldwide; finally films a solo, lead role indie movie in Die Beautiful
by Leony R. Garcia
TV host and actor Paolo Ballesteros is in the news again following a makeup transformation which sparked international controversy.
Spanish-language U.S. television network Univision presenter Rodner Figueroa was reportedly fired from work after he likened US First Lady Michelle Obama to a cast member of the film “Planet of the Apes.”
Figueroa made the comment during an appearance on the popular talk show “El Gordo y La Flaca” on Wednesday while discussing the work of a makeup artist who works to copy the looks of famous people.
The makeup artist happens to be Philippine’s own Paolo Ballesteros and his recent make-over as Mrs. Obama was the subject of discussion.
“Look, you know that Michelle Obama looks like she’s part of the cast of the film ‘Planet of the Apes,'” Figueroa said in Spanish.
The comparison quickly drew accusations of racism against Figueroa.
“Rodner Figueroa made comments regarding First Lady Michelle Obama that were completely reprehensible and in no way reflect Univision’s values or views,” the Miami-based network said in a statement.
“As a result, Mr. Figueroa was immediately terminated,” the statement confirmed..
Figueroa had served as a fashion expert on Univision, among other roles, and he was seated next to the two main hosts of the show Raúl De Molina and Lili Estefan when he made the remark.
Estefan responded with, “What are you saying?” and De Molina interjected to say that Michelle Obama is attractive.
Figueroa, in an open letter to the first lady posted on the website Latin World Entertainment, wrote in Spanish that his comments were not directed at Michelle Obama but toward the makeup artist who had sought to replicate her look.
“I feel mortified, and I ask for your forgiveness, because there is no excuse for a professional like myself to make a comment like that which can be interpreted as offensive and racist in these volatile times that our country is experiencing,” he wrote
Baleteros’ makeup artistry and transformations to famous celebrities have been well-publicized in the internet )through his instagram account which has earned more than 770,000 followers) and made into pieces of conversations and discussions in many television shows abroad.
In October last year, his works were featured on NBC’s Today Show, as he received interview request from various TV shows and outlets including the popular gossip site TMZ.
The “Eat Bulaga” host was featured on the October 9 episode of the American morning show as part if its #WhatsTrendingTODAY segment after being featured on Buzzfeed, the news story said.
“Paolo has been the toast of several international media outlets this past week after they discovered his talent of transforming into celebrities using makeup,” the news item continued.
Meantime, the amiable TV host, is seen every day on the boob tube as he forms the wacky trio to Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola in the Barangayan segment of the popular Eat Bulaga.
