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Where is Cristina Saralegui now? TV host stood by Menudo's Edgardo Díaz despite abuse allegations

Many former members of Menudo have accused Diaz of rape, physical and emotional torture in a new HBO documentary

Talk show host Cristina Saralegui is getting slammed for supporting disgraced music producer Edgardo Díaz despite sexual allegations against him, following the release of the HBO documentary 'Menudo: Forever Young'.

The new HBO documentary is about a boy band founded in Puerto Rico in 1977 by a music producer named Edgardo Diaz. The documentary shows Edgardo Diaz's obsession with youthfulness, highlighting how he wanted the boy band to remain 'forever young,' and once a member turned 16, he was kicked out and replaced by a younger member. Many former members accuse Diaz of rape, physical and emotional torture in the documentary. The claims were originally raised in 1991 by many members. However, Diaz had appeared on a prominent talk show with Cristina Saralegui at the time and refuted all the charges against him. Cristina Saralegui supported Diaz and his alleged "innocence". However, since the release of the documentary, the TV anchor is being lambasted for helping a alleged sexual predator.

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A Twitter user wrote, slamming Diaz and Cristiana, "Just finished watching #MenudoForeverYoung on HBO Max. The band was an important part of my childhood. I had four Menudo albums, which I no longer have. I wish I still had them. The documentary is a must-watch. F*CK Edgardo Díaz and F*CK Cristina Saralegui." "Cristina Saralegui didn’t believe the boys of menudo about the abuse.. shame on you!! #MenudoForeverYoung," tweeted another.

Where is Cristina Saralegui Now? 

Cristina was one of five kids born in Cuba. In the '60s, her family relocated from Cuba to Miami, Florida, where she was brought up by traditional and strict parents. Cristina, a strong-willed lady who attended the University of Miami, later served as a Spanish editor for Cosmopolitan. By 1989, she had her own chat show on Univision called "El Show de Cristina," which was a big success and attracted millions of viewers. During a period when these issues were stigmatised, Cristina discussed issues like AIDS, homosexuality, and adolescent sex. Her words were,“People told me, ‘Hispanics are not ready for this. They won’t talk about this. [Do] you know what I found out? They were wrong; they had never had a forum.” Unsurprisingly, the audience loved the show's content since it was so provocative and contentious.

'El Show de Cristina' on Univision came to an end in November 2010 after more than 20 years. By that time, Cristina had already established her own AIDS charity and a film and television studio. Cristina's radio program debuted on SiriusXM in January 2012 and began broadcasting. Since 1982, Cristina has been wed to guitarist Marcos Avila. They have brought up three kids collectively. This includes a son of their own as well as one child from each of their prior partnerships.

The couple presently resides in Miami, and Cristina appears to be content with retirement for the time being. She also just received a diagnosis of ataxia, a disease that impairs coordination. Cristina mentioned in a recent interview that she now has more time to read in addition to caring for her grandkids in Miami and Connecticut. She creates jewelry as well. Cristina said that although she had had multiple employment offers over the years, none had persuaded her to leave retirement.

Cristina discussed her initial hesitation to receive the Covid-19 vaccination in the same interview until her friend Emilio Estefan persuaded her to do so. Since then, she has made a point of encouraging others to get the vaccine and urging them to follow their physicians' advice. Cristina has been enjoying herself with her family and dogs for the time being. Before writing, she had mentioned doing television. Cristina, however, has insisted that she would prefer to spend time with her family over going back to work.