The internal conflict within APTRA added a new high-voltage chapter after Ángel de Brito confirmed on LAM (América TV) the expulsion of Evelyn Von Brocke and Pilar Smith as members of the organization. The resolution was made after an assembly in which a significant number of members participated and which resulted in a divided vote, marked by an atmosphere of strong tension.
According to the host's account, in the case of Evelyn Von Brocke, 29 members voted in favor of her expulsion and 12 voted against it. "She can appeal", De Brito clarified when he provided the details of the process. Minutes later, he added a second confirmation that even surprised the live panel: Pilar Smith had also been expelled from the association.
The conflict that led to the sanction had two main axes. On one hand, there were Von Brocke's public statements about the alleged assets of Marcelo Polino, an issue that within APTRA was considered extremely serious because of its possible personal and security impact. On the other hand, there were Smith's criticisms of the organization of the Martín Fierro Latino Miami 2025, which would have been interpreted as a serious offense by the organization.
After the decision became known, Marcelo Polino went to APTRA's headquarters and spoke to the press. Although he supported the result of the vote, he expressed his discomfort with the outcome of the conflict. "I agree with the decision, but I am left with a feeling of sadness. We are all colleagues and we should end the year in a different way", he stated. He also explained why he considered the dissemination of private information to be serious: he maintained that this type of data exposed him to situations of insecurity and additional expenses in his daily life.
Evelyn Von Brocke's reaction did not take long to arrive. The journalist attended the assembly and, visibly affected, denounced situations of violence in the context of the meeting. In a conversation with LAM, she maintained that she felt censored and announced that her lawyer will initiate a formal appeal against APTRA's decision. "A private chat is a private chat. I want justice", she stated, and she emphasized that she had never before experienced a similar situation within the professional sphere.
Meanwhile, Pilar Smith was on vacation abroad when she found out about her expulsion. The news was communicated to her live through a video call with De Brito's program. Outraged, she questioned the sanction and linked it directly to her opinions about the awards."For giving an opinion? For a Martín Fierro?", she asked, and she announced that she will also seek legal advice. She also appealed to the concept of freedom of expression and harshly criticized those who voted for her expulsion.
