On September 8, 2024, the reality show La Casa de los Famosos México (LCDLF) saw the elimination of influencer Ricardo Peralta, marking a dramatic turn of events. His exit was especially noteworthy due to the luxurious car that picked him up, in contrast to the usual sponsor, DiDi, who had unexpectedly pulled out of the show as a sponsor.
DiDi’s decision to end its partnership with the show, citing a need to align with its brand’s values, led to an alternative mode of transportation for Peralta. Instead of a DiDi vehicle, he was picked up in a Tesla Model X, a high-end electric car worth up to 2 million pesos. The change in car sparked significant buzz among fans, mainly due to its impressive features, including its autonomous driving capabilities and butterfly doors, making it stand out from previous contestant exits,
Rumors quickly swirled around the luxurious Tesla’s ownership. According to various sources, the car belonged to Galilea Montijo, one of the show’s hosts. Other speculations pointed to Rosa María Noguerón, the show’s producer, but Montijo’s name gained more credibility among media outlets. This surprising twist turned what could have been a routine elimination into a viral topic on social media, with many fans commenting on the irony of the situation given DiDi’s sudden departure,
Peralta’s elimination was also financially costly for Televisa, the network behind the show. Several other brands, including Unilever, Nescafé, Bimbo, and Coca-Cola, followed DiDi in withdrawing sponsorship. According to reports, this mass exit of sponsors cost Televisa 300 million pesos, with Emilio Azcárraga Jean, the network’s president, demanding compensation from Endemol Shine Boomdog, the production company. This loss comes as a direct consequence of the controversial actions of Adrián Marcelo, a former participant accused of inappropriate behaviour, which triggered this exodus of brands,
Peralta, known for his humour and engaging personality, had been a fan favourite. Despite not reaching the finals, his exit left a lasting impression on the viewers due to his performance on the show and the unexpected luxury treatment he received upon leaving,
This incident highlights reality television’s unpredictable nature, where sponsors, controversies, and star power often collide to create headline-grabbing moments.