Tenoch Huerta Shares WhatsApp Messages to Clear His Name and Challenge Elena Ríos’ Accusations

In a recent interview on Ciro Gómez Leyva’s news program on ImagenTV, Tenoch Huerta used WhatsApp messages to shed light on the immense challenges he’s faced over the past year. Huerta spoke openly about the public harassment and false allegations that have threatened his career and personal life, sharing his journey of resilience, legal battles, and efforts to rebuild his life.

Facing Public Condemnation and False Allegations

Huerta, during his interview with journalist Claudia Mollinedo, described the emotional toll of being targeted in what he called a “public lynching.” He explained that the accusations made by saxophonist Maria Elena Ríos not only led to significant personal distress but also a broader societal backlash. “It wasn’t just about the accusations—it became about who I am and what I stand for,” Huerta said. The actor shared how both social media users and high-profile media figures justified the attacks on him, using his political and social beliefs, particularly his stance against racism, as fuel.

Huerta’s activism, especially his involvement with the anti-racist group Poder Prieto, has long made him a target for right-wing media in Mexico. The term “Tenoches” emerged on social platforms, often used by those opposing anti-racism movements to discredit and attack individuals who challenge Mexico’s deep-rooted societal norms. Huerta made it clear that the harassment he faced wasn’t just about the allegations but was amplified because of his outspokenness on sensitive political issues. Despite the onslaught, he remains steadfast in his convictions, determined to push forward.

Tenoch Huerta Presents WhatsApp Messages

In an attempt to clarify the timeline of events, Huerta discussed key pieces of evidence, including WhatsApp messages exchanged between himself and Ríos. One message, dated May 29, 2022, shows Ríos apologizing for misrepresenting Huerta, aligning with his claims that their relationship had been consensual. The actor emphasized that this message, along with others, proves that Ríos had exaggerated certain aspects of their interaction, particularly when she publicly labeled him a predator.

Additionally, Huerta touched on the accusations regarding ‘stealthing,’ asserting that protection was never used in their encounters and that both parties had mutually agreed on that. Huerta noted how these conversations with Ríos contradict her public narrative, highlighting that the situation only escalated after his meeting with President López Obrador in November 2022. The actor also shared screenshots of anonymous threats he had received, dated February 28, 2024, which suggested an organized effort to damage his reputation during the March 8th Women’s Day march. These threats have since become part of a larger investigation.

Discovery of Sensitive Information Regarding Ríos’ Criminal Past

Huerta also addressed why he remained silent for so long, despite the severity of the allegations. He revealed that during the height of the media storm, his legal team received sensitive information about Ríos and her family’s criminal history. This information, sent by collectives and journalists, included legal documents outlining Ríos’ involvement in activities such as extortion and organized crime. This disturbing discovery aligned with our previous reporting on the various scandals surrounding the Ríos family, including past allegations of violence, corruption, and political connections.

The Ríos Ortiz family has been involved in several legal complaints and criminal investigations over the years, as outlined by Proceso. In 2012, Isabel Oliva Martínez Romero filed a complaint against Elena Ríos Ortiz and her sister Silvia for assault, accusing them of beating and seriously injuring her (L.I 1007/HL/2012). In 2013, authorities launched an investigation into “aggravated gang assault” involving members of the Ríos family, including saxophonist María Elena Ríos, after they allegedly attacked Gonzalo Martínez Soriano and his family, under file L.I. 606/HL/2013. In 2015, authorities accused Carlos Ríos Ortiz, Elena’s brother, of fatally stabbing 18-year-old Juan Carlos Durán Carrasco. As a result, community pressure forced the Ríos family to leave Santo Domingo Tonalá (1411/HL/2015). Elena Rios herself confirmed that her brother killed that young man. These incidents have marked the Ríos family with a pattern of serious legal and criminal allegations.

Collectives Publicly Support Elena Ríos While Leading a Public Lynching of Tenoch Huerta

After Maria Elena Ríos accused Tenoch Huerta of abuse, activist collectives quickly rallied behind her, casting Huerta into a storm of public condemnation. While Huerta faced harsh scrutiny without any formal legal charges, the same groups turned a blind eye to Ríos’ own history of legal allegations. This imbalance exposes a troubling pattern in how these collectives wield influence, often determining guilt or innocence without the need for formal court proceedings.

Apertura’s Boycott and Its Immediate Impact on Tenoch Huerta

Apertura, a predomintely white, very privileged and well-known collective in the Mexican film industry, swiftly backed Elena Ríos after she accused Tenoch Huerta. Apertura publicly praised Ríos for her bravery, suggesting that other women might have been victims of Huerta’s alleged violence but feared coming forward because of his public stature. The collective went a step further by pledging that none of their members would work on any production involving Huerta. Members also promised to resign or even organize public protests if he were selected for any project.

Apertura’s actions immediately damaged Huerta’s career. Casting directors and production teams quickly distanced themselves, causing him to lose several opportunities. Despite this, it’s critical to note that Huerta has never been formally charged or found guilty in any court of law. His downfall resulted solely from public opinion, fueled by social media and collective pressure rather than legal facts.

On the other hand, Ríos has faced serious legal complaints of her own, including charges of assaulting her father’s mistress with scissors and threatening a reporter’s life. Despite these accusations, Ríos has not faced the same public backlash or career consequences as Huerta. This raises important questions about fairness in how the public and these collectives treat accusations based on social status and political alliances.

Las Brujas del Mar: A Feminist Group with Transphobic Ties

Elena Ríos also maintains ties to Las Brujas del Mar, a feminist group that has faced controversy for its openly transphobic views. Once celebrated for their activism, the group later revealed a stance excluding trans women, which alienated many of their early supporters. Despite this, Ríos continues to align herself with the group, which calls into question her commitment to broader social justice issues.

Adding to these concerns are rumors of Las Brujas del Mar’s ties to right-wing figures like Javier Lozano Alarcón, a member of the ultra-conservative group El Yunque. The group even defended Lozano’s son, who faced accusations of sexual abuse, a move that contradicts their supposed stance on supporting survivors. Also, they defend white Mexican YouTuber Yoseline Hoffman, also known as ‘YosStop.’ Hoffman openly admitted to having received, played and stored a video of a 16-year-old being sexually assaulted by four men. However, Las brujas del mar extended their support to her, showcasing another double standard in their activism.

In contrast, Tenoch Huerta faced a “public lynching” based on accusations that never saw the inside of a courtroom. This disparity underscores a deeper issue: if society seeks fairness, all accusations—whether directed at public figures or activists—deserve the same scrutiny, without bias or selective silence. Las Brujas del Mar’s defense of Elena Ríos, while attacking Tenoch Huerta, reeks of hypocrisy. They accuse Huerta of orchestrating a media campaign to intimidate Ríos, all while they conveniently turn a blind eye to their own controversial alliances. For a feminist collective that has openly exhibited transphobic behavior—defending Javier Lozano Alarcón’s son and YouTuber Yoseline Hoffman, who both faced sexual abuse allegations—they present a skewed version of justice.

Challenges, Legal Battles, and Dealing with Serious Threats

Huerta openly discussed the ongoing challenges he faces, both legally and personally. While civil action for moral damages is on the table, Huerta clarified that he’s been hesitant to pursue criminal charges due to the need for concrete evidence. He expressed frustration over the fact that public opinion had already turned against him, driven by the force of social media and the lack of a formal judicial process.

Moreover, the actor revealed a deeply distressing aspect of his ordeal—his daughters had become targets of serious threats. Although he refrained from revealing the exact nature of the threats to protect their privacy, Huerta implied that they were life-threatening. These threats have been part of an ongoing investigation, adding yet another layer of complexity to his legal battles. Despite these significant hurdles, Huerta stressed that his priority remains the well-being of his family, but he will continue to defend himself and his loved ones from further harm.

Advocating for Justice, Resilience, and Political Influence

One of the most pressing concerns Huerta raised in the interview was Ríos’ newfound political influence. Since September 1st, Ríos has served as a substitute federal deputy for the Morena party. Given her position of power, Huerta expressed concerns about the potential abuse of authority and emphasized the importance of impartiality in handling his case. “This person already has political power, and, in this country, that is risky. But if I have to keep fighting, I will keep doing so,” Huerta stated.

Despite the political tensions surrounding his case, Huerta remains supportive of President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Morena party, highlighting that his focus is on seeking fairness, not political backing. He underscored his determination to continue his career and activism, emphasizing that his involvement in social justice causes is rooted in personal conviction rather than public relations. As Huerta moves forward, he aims to rebuild his life while continuing to address the larger systemic issues that fuel public prejudices.

Tenoch Huerta’s interview on ImagenTV sheds light on the complex legal and personal challenges he has faced since the allegations against him surfaced. While the actor remains committed to seeking justice, his journey is far from over. Huerta’s story highlights the dangers of trial by media and the consequences of unverified accusations in the digital age. As he continues to fight for his name and the safety of his family, Huerta’s resilience in the face of public condemnation underscores his determination to overcome this difficult chapter and return to his life’s passions.