Overview
- Telefe confirmed on Monday that Elián “L‑Gante” Valenzuela will not be part of the upcoming MasterChef Celebrity and removed promotional posts showing him.
- Production and channel sources told multiple outlets that talks with L‑Gante failed over contract terms, scheduling and money, and that those unresolved issues prevented a final agreement.
- Several journalists and insiders reported that L‑Gante missed the official cast photo, rehearsals and other convocations, which production cited as a factor in the decision.
- Telefe and production have moved to fill the vacant spot and multiple reports say actor Mike Amigorena is being added, with the cast expected to be finalized before recordings start later this week.
- Separately, a small number of outlets reported an unverified complaint and police raids at properties linked to L‑Gante; those claims are developing and have not been corroborated by official authorities.