What Happened to María Alejandra Jaramillo López?
Alejandra Jaramillo is a prominent Ecuadorian television presenter, actress, and influencer known for her work on various programs in Ecuador and later in the United States. As of July 22, 2026, she was removed from Univision's '¡Siéntese quien pueda!' following a controversy stemming from her public celebration of Mexico's defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which drew significant backlash.
Quick Answer
Alejandra Jaramillo, an Ecuadorian television presenter and actress, was dismissed from Univision's program '¡Siéntese quien pueda!' on July 22, 2026. This decision came after she faced widespread criticism for publicly celebrating Mexico's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jaramillo, who gained fame in Ecuador and moved to the U.S. for her career, had previously overcome personal tragedy and participated in other reality shows.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Debut on Ecuadorian Television
Alejandra Jaramillo began her television career at the age of 12, joining the children's program 'Magneto' on RTS as part of the dance group and as a mini-presenter.
Acting and Hosting Roles
She participated as an actress in the telenovela 'Cholicienta' on RTS and also became a host for the program 'Destino Aventura' on Caravana TV.
Joins Ecuavisa's 'En Contacto'
Jaramillo made a significant career move by joining Ecuavisa as an anchor for the morning show 'En Contacto' and the program 'Prueba de Amor,' consolidating her national television career.
Stars in 'Sí Se Puede'
She took on a leading role in 'Sí Se Puede,' described as one of the most important productions of 2020.
Tragic Death of Efraín Ruales
Her then-partner, fellow TV host Efraín Ruales, was tragically assassinated, a deeply impactful event in her personal life.
Return to 'En Contacto'
After a period of mourning, Alejandra Jaramillo made an emotional return to 'En Contacto,' sharing her healing process and receiving widespread public support.
Departs 'En Contacto'
Jaramillo announced her decision to leave 'En Contacto' after more than three years, indicating a temporary break from television.
Joins Univision's '¡Siéntese quien pueda!'
She joined the cast of Univision's entertainment program '¡Siéntese quien pueda!' as a panelist, marking her entry into U.S. Hispanic television.
Stars in '¿Apostarías por Mí?'
Alejandra Jaramillo and her partner Beta Mejía premiered in the reality show '¿Apostarías por Mí?' on Univision, UniMás, and ViX.
World Cup Controversy Erupts
Jaramillo publicly celebrated Mexico's defeat against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, posting videos and messages that sparked immediate and widespread criticism from Mexican audiences.
Calls for Dismissal and Apology
Following intense backlash and calls for her dismissal from Univision, Jaramillo issued a public apology, attempting to clarify her comments and express respect for Mexico.
Announces Participation in Benefit Concert
Amidst the controversy, Jaramillo announced her participation in 'Unidos por Venezuela,' a benefit concert and telethon in Miami aimed at raising funds for earthquake victims.
Removed from '¡Siéntese quien pueda!'
Univision officially confirmed Alejandra Jaramillo's departure from the regular cast of '¡Siéntese quien pueda!' following the World Cup controversy. She later released a video expressing tranquility and gratitude.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
María Alejandra Jaramillo López, affectionately known as 'La Caramelo,' embarked on her television career in Ecuador at a young age, starting at 12 years old in 2005 with the children's program 'Magneto' on RTS. Her talent quickly led to roles in telenovelas like 'Cholicienta' and hosting duties for shows such as 'Destino Aventura'. She further solidified her presence in Ecuadorian television through various productions on Gama and as a panelist on RTS's 'Vamos con Todo,' eventually becoming a main anchor for Ecuavisa's popular morning show 'En Contacto' in 2018.
Jaramillo's career was marked by a significant personal tragedy in January 2021 when her then-partner and fellow TV host, Efraín Ruales, was assassinated. Her public grieving and eventual return to television in March 2021, where she spoke emotionally about her loss, garnered immense public support and admiration. She later announced her departure from 'En Contacto' in November 2021, signaling a new chapter in her career.
Her move to the United States saw her join Univision's entertainment program '¡Siéntese quien pueda!' as a panelist in August 2022, expanding her reach to a broader Hispanic audience. In January 2026, she also participated in the reality show '¿Apostarías por Mí?' alongside her current partner, Colombian influencer Beta Mejía, with whom she has been in a relationship.
The most recent and pivotal event in Jaramillo's career occurred in July 2026. Following Mexico's defeat against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jaramillo posted videos and messages on social media celebrating the outcome, which she later clarified was due to a prior rivalry between Ecuador and Mexico in the tournament. This act sparked a massive backlash from Mexican audiences and calls for her dismissal from Univision, given that a significant portion of the program's viewership is Mexican. Although she issued public apologies, the controversy intensified. On July 22, 2026, Univision officially confirmed her departure from '¡Siéntese quien pueda!'. Jaramillo addressed her exit, expressing gratitude and tranquility while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. She is also slated to participate in a benefit concert for Venezuela in August 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if María Alejandra Jaramillo López made different choices?