'Don't cross me': the heated exchange between Carmen Barbieri and Fabián Medina Flores

Carmen Barbieri exploded live on her show Con Carmen (El Nueve) after Fabián Medina Flores made disparaging comments about her son, Federico Bal. The confrontation was direct, filled with emotions and strong accusations that crossed the boundaries of the entertainment world.

The phrases that unleashed Carmen's fury

Everything began when Fabián Medina Flores analyzed Fede Bal's look at the Martín Fierro Theater Awards on La Jaula de la Moda (Ciudad Magazine). In addition to questioning the actor's outfit, the fashion consultant made comments involving illnesses, without knowing—or without considering—the medical history of the host's son.

"Be grateful that the lighting almost left him in the shadows. This, outside, they don't do. They don't let him in," Medina said ironically, criticizing the outfit. But the phrase that lit the fuse was another: "Don't go, say you're sick. You know the mother is always sick... let him also say he was sick."

Barbieri, visibly upset, did not let the comment pass and delivered a harsh response on her show:
"You mixed illness with fashion. You fell right into the trap. Don't cross me... because everything I want to say to you will be tough and difficult."

"You messed with my son's health"

In a strong televised statement, the host recalled the serious diagnosis her son went through:
"My son has cancer, did you know? He will be an oncology patient for life. Every two or three months he undergoes tests to see if the cancer has returned. We are fighting that."

She also made it clear that Fede had already spoken publicly about his illness:  "He already said he's sick and we overcame cancer. It was a miracle that he was cured of that tumor."

Without filters, Carmen targeted the stylist directly:
"You messed with my son's health trying to be funny. You're not funny, you have such a bitter face, you never laugh. Out of place."
She concluded with irony:  "Who made this man a host? You can't even ride a bicycle."

Later, she made it clear that her anger went beyond the personal:
"I pray that you don't get sick, I swear. I pray for you so you never know what that's like. Be careful with your words."

Medina Flores's response: indifference and sarcasm

From LAM (América TV) they sought Medina Flores's statement, but the stylist avoided any mea culpa. When asked about Fede Bal's health, he replied with indifference:
"I have no idea if he's sick or not. Why would I know if he was sick? I only read about things that matter to me."

He then added: "If I had known, I would never make a joke like that. But nothing interests me less than clarifying this with her.  When she tells me what affected her so much, then I'll understand... which doesn't mean I care."

Despite the criticism and the outrage caused, Medina Flores did not retract. Carmen, meanwhile, ended her statement with a warning that made it clear the issue was not over:
"Be careful, Medina. Be careful about saying things you'll regret later. And be careful about running into me."