Peruvian television host Rodrigo González has offered a public apology to journalist Lourdes Sacín following the murder of her colleague Susy Aponte Polo.
González, who presents the entertainment show Amor y Fuego, addressed the matter during his broadcast on 19 September. He revealed that he had reached out to Sacín in private prior to delivering his public statement on television.
The reconciliation comes after years of friction between the two media figures, who fought a high-profile court battle stemming from a defamation lawsuit filed in 2019. Sacín had taken legal action against González over statements made during his entertainment broadcasts.
Speaking on air, González acknowledged that his past commentary may have caused deep personal distress to Sacín. He stated that those working within entertainment broadcasting often fail to grasp the emotional toll their remarks can take on others, and he offered his sincere apologies for any pain his words had inflicted upon her.
Legal disputes and career recognition
Despite their past legal battles in court, González praised Sacín's professional career and her contributions to media reporting. He paid tribute to her journalistic work on the programme China Polo Dominical, where she reported alongside Aponte Polo.
González stated that their history in the courtroom did not diminish his respect for her dedication as a journalist. He described Sacín as a key figure on China Polo Dominical and commended her as a highly capable professional who has consistently demonstrated excellence in her field.
Sacín has been a familiar face on Peruvian television for years, transitioning from mainstream news reporting to digital investigative projects. Her work alongside Aponte Polo focused on high-impact public reporting and local investigations.
Demands for police investigation
Turning to the murder of Susy Aponte Polo, who was widely known by her nickname China Polo, González issued a firm call for justice. He highlighted the numerous public reports and allegations that Aponte Polo had published across her digital platforms prior to her death.
González urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the crime. He insisted that investigators must scrutinise everyone whom Aponte Polo had exposed in her reporting and ensure that those responsible for ordering or executing the killing are held accountable by the courts.
In a final written farewell dedicated to Aponte Polo, the presenter paid tribute to her courage in confronting powerful interests. He described her as a brave journalist who made organized crime figures uncomfortable by unmasking their activities, noting that her detractors could only silence her voice by taking her life.
González expressed confidence that Aponte Polo's colleagues and online followers would preserve her legacy and continue her work. He concluded his tribute by stating that her courage would endure through those who worked alongside her.
