The Facade of Advocacy: Rios’s Contradictory Stance
Elena Rios, once hailed as a champion of progressive causes, now stands exposed as a figure embodying hypocrisy and deceit in the sphere of activism. Her association with Poder Prieto, initially perceived as a genuine commitment to anti-racism, has unraveled as a calculated facade. Rios’ social media activities, including liking racist comments, starkly contradict the principles she publicly espoused. Moreover, her own ambiguous statements about being “brown” only further cloud her stance on racial issues.
It does not matter who @_ElenaRios tries to trick into feeling sorry for her, she simply can NOT resist showing herself to be a soulless, racist, opportunistic political climber. Unfortunately for her, I don’t think @PartidoMorenaMx wants to align themselves with this: pic.twitter.com/Pk5jsrlJku
— K 👽 (@kaylieninvasion) December 17, 2023
A Self-Serving Agenda: The False Narrative of Support
Rios, who once received staunch support from her ex-romantic partner, actor and activist Tenoch Huerta, for her feminist causes and her acid attack case, has shown a glaring inconsistency in her commitment to intersectional activism. Despite Huerta’s unwavering backing, Elena’s involvement in anti-racism efforts, a cause deeply important to Huerta, appeared superficial and self-promoting.
¿La ayudan a retuitear?
— Tenoch Huerta Mejía (@TenochHuerta) July 29, 2021
👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾@_ElenaRios https://t.co/Oo9xaOUrzw
Compounding this, Rios’ behavior has often contradicted feminist principles, notably engaging in body-shaming and attacking other women’s sexuality in court, a stark departure from the ethos of feminism. Her accusations against Huerta, layered with irony considering her own contentious history, further highlight a pattern of selective activism and personal vendettas that cast doubt on the sincerity of her advocacy.
En otro video filtrado de Maria Elena Ríos se puede escuchar el enorme respeto que tiene por las mujeres al referirse a ellas como gordas y chaparras. En un lenguaje despectivo para señalar a mujeres que participaron como testimonios en su audiencia. Esta mujer es una hipócrita. pic.twitter.com/xte1ydICso
— BrendaFloripondio (@florifun7232025) October 30, 2023
Undermining Solidarity: The Betrayal of Poder Prieto
The narrative surrounding Rios took a stark turn when she leveled baseless, false accusations against Poder Prieto, an organization embodying the struggle against racial prejudice in Mexico. Poder Prieto, or Brown Power, engages in multifaceted activism spanning representation, social practices, information, training, and law. The organization, where Tenoch Huerta notably contributes in the area of representation, aims to reshape the perception of Brown people in daily life. It reclaims the term ‘Prieto,’ typically a derogatory remark, transforming it into a symbol of empowerment and pride.
Despite Poder Prieto’s commitment to these noble causes, Rios shockingly attacked the organization, alleging unpaid dues. Ironically, it was El Feisbuk Malinche, not Poder Prieto, who owed her money – a fact they openly admitted to, having attempted to settle the dues multiple times. This erroneous allegation against Poder Prieto not only undermines the organization’s integrity but also reveals Rios’ lack of gratitude and ethical grounding.
@_ElenaRios aquí tan solo 2 mensajes como prueba real que te he contactado para pedirte tus datos bancarios y pagarte pero no he tenido respuesta, no mientas en culpar a @poderprieto_mx de no pagarte algo que no les corresponde, Se honesta. pic.twitter.com/uHvlHEN28e
— El Feisbuk De La Malinche (@feisbukmalinche) August 8, 2023
More distressingly, Rios’ actions targeted Maya Zapata, the co-founder of Poder Prieto and a staunch supporter of Rios’ feminist endeavors. The collective, which had backed Rios and elevated her platform, was met with betrayal over what appears to be personal vendettas and grudges. This self-serving maneuver portrays Rios as ungrateful for the visibility and support Poder Prieto, including celebrities within the collective, had generously offered her.
In a further damaging move, Rios branded Poder Prieto a ‘cult,’ an accusation that stands in stark contrast to the experiences of others associated with the group, including former members like Elyfer. No one else, past or present, has echoed Rios’ claims of cult-like or inappropriate behavior within Poder Prieto. This isolated accusation only adds to the growing perception of Elena’s actions as driven by selfish motives, painting her in a petty and desperate light, especially in light of her public disputes over a man.
A Legacy of Intimidation: The Rios Family’s Dark History
Rios’ family history is marred by allegations of terrorizing indigenous communities, including a harrowing incident leading to a murder, which resulted in their expulsion from Tonala, Oaxaca. This background starkly contrasts with Rios’ public persona as an activist, casting a shadow over her credibility.
Amid #ElenaRíos lavish lifestyle and high-end property endeavours, one must question her narrative. With her brother accused of murder, her sister's alleged drug ties, and Elena herself under FBI investigation, the Ríos family’s power and influence demand scrutiny. #ElenaRios🔍 pic.twitter.com/tH3JGyMauW
— Feminegra (@feminegra) August 8, 2023
Legal Entanglements: A Tangled Web of Accusations
Contrasting Rios’ numerous legal complaints with Tenoch’s unblemished record further undermines her credibility. Notably, Rios herself stands accused of a heinous act of violence – assaulting a woman with scissors, an act utterly incongruent with the values she professes to uphold.
Details in the Ríos sisters case suggest misuse of support following #ElenaRíos acid attack through alleged false documents, reportedly for personal gains. Irregularities were reported by the 🇺🇸 #FBI during their 🇺🇸visa application process. More info at https://t.co/1p3q6xAOBT https://t.co/8LV9ZQPtLN pic.twitter.com/UhD7zry4y7
— Feminegra (@feminegra) August 3, 2023
Questionable Alliances: The Paradox of Feminist Representation
Rios’ association with an anti-choice lawyer, an opponent of women’s reproductive rights, is a glaring contradiction to her feminist image.
Thrilled to see Mexico decriminalize abortion, a monumental step for women's rights! However, it's intriguing that 'feminist' Elena Ríos is silent on this milestone. Could it be because her lawyer is a fervent pro-lifer who has campaigned against women's reproductive rights? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ciTi9bkyiL
— Feminegra (@feminegra) September 7, 2023
Additionally, her connection with Las brujas del mar, known for their transphobic rhetoric, further tarnishes her feminist credentials, painting a picture of a person who aligns with feminism only when it serves her agenda.

The Unmasking of a Pretender
Rios’ journey from being seen as a victim and activist to being unmasked as a pretender in the world of activism is a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of consistency and sincerity in advocacy. Her story serves as a reminder that true activism demands more than just public statements and appearances; it requires a deep, genuine commitment to the causes one claims to champion. Rios’s narrative is not just about the downfall of an individual but a reflection on the integrity and authenticity needed in the world of social activism.
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