Actor and political activist Eduardo Verástegui, known for his conservative ideology and pro-life activism, publicly expressed his support for Javier “Chicharito” Hernández following criticism of his sexist comments.
On his X account (formerly Twitter), Verástegui wrote: “Chicharito scored many goals in his career, but none like the tremendous goal he is scoring against the progressives. They cry for everything,” he said.
What was Chicharito’s controversy?
This support, far from quelling the controversy, fueled public debate about gender roles and ultra-conservative positions in Mexico.
On July 21, 2025, Javier Hernandez posted several videos on his social networks with messages reinforcing traditional stereotypes about the role of women.
Among his controversial phrases was that women “are failing to eradicate masculinity” and that they should devote themselves to household tasks: “caring, nurturing, cleaning” and allow themselves to be led by a man.
These statements sparked immediate rejection by activists, journalists, women’s soccer players and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, who called them “very macho” and anti-equality ideas.
The Mexican Soccer Federation (FMF) imposed a fine on Hernandez through its Gender and Diversity Commission, and issued a warning of more severe sanctions in the event of a repeat offense.
The Chivas Guadalajara club also publicly distanced itself from his statements.
Many public personalities condemned the speech, including players from Chivas Femenil, media figures such as Andrea Legarreta and Tania Rincón, and activist Sara Sálamo, who demanded strong measures from bodies such as FIFA.
Eduardo Verástegui intensifies the debate
Verástegui went even further: she published messages criticizing feminism, describing it as “a nefarious ideology that sells slavery disguised as empowerment”. She defended the role of traditional women and went so far as to state:
“I would a thousand times rather have a feminine, authentic, courageous woman…than a radical feminist who hates men, despises motherhood and denies the truth,” she wrote.
He also questioned the legitimacy of gender commissions in sport: “The Gender and Diversity Commissions should disappear. They are useless…”.
These expressions placed him under the same public scrutiny as Hernández: Internet users criticized him for reinforcing sexist discourses and ignoring structural inequality.
The heated controversy
The case highlights how conservative gender discourses circulate in Latino communities in the U.S. and abroad.
Prominent figures such as Hernández and Verástegui influence the perception of feminism, family and male leadership.
This episode underscores the relevance of gender and diversity commissions in sports institutions and their role in curbing discourses of intolerance.
Invites discussion on the emotional health, equality and accountability of public figures who have international reach among Hispanics.
Desde que dejó de ser actor, Eduardo Verástegui se ha dedicado a la política con mensajes muy conservadores e ideas que han dejado a más de uno bastante indignado
Both celebrities have stated very extreme ideas
Buzzy
Eduardo Verástegui publicly backed Chicharito Hernández after he was involved in a controversy over sexist comments.
Verástegui strengthened his statements with anti-feminist messages and criticism of gender commissions, which provoked a wave of repudiation similar to that of the soccer player.
Conservative support amidst debates about gender equality and stereotypes makes this case relevant not only in Mexico, but also for Latinos in the U.S. who follow these issues with critical attention.
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