Benjamín Vicuña breaks silence on dispute with Mauro Icardi over fatherhood

Chilean actor Benjamín Vicuña has broken his silence amid a public spat with Argentine footballer Mauro Icardi, stemming from comments Vicuña made about his relationship with his children. Vicuña stated in an interview on Argentina's Telefe that while his children live 14,000 kilometers away, he is confident in the bond they share and that "no one can take that away from me."

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There are thousands of ways to be a father, but obviously the day-to-day is fundamental. But the situation today is that my children are 14,000 kilometers away, but I am very sure of the bond I have with them. No one can take that away from me.

This statement apparently irked Icardi, who took to Instagram to post a lengthy message that, while not naming Vicuña directly, was widely interpreted as a response. Icardi questioned the narrative of Vicuña playing the victim, suggesting that if Vicuña were truly concerned about his bond with his children, he would prioritize seeing them more often. Icardi pointed out that the children have been in Argentina for nearly three months, with Vicuña reportedly spending only 15 to 20 days with them.

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I understand you are doing your job, but I am focused on the theater, which is going very well, and on my family, which are my five children, and I don't have time for anything else.

Vicuña, currently starring in the play "Secreto en la montaña," has stated that his priorities are his theater commitments and his five children. He conveyed through a message to a reporter that he has no time for further involvement in the public dispute. His girlfriend, Anita Espasandin, has publicly defended him.

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When you play the victim on TV to defend an image that the facts do not support, something doesn't add up. Rather than worrying that someone might 'steal' your bond with your children, which is clearly not the case, I would worry about trying to see them and be with them. More than that, I would worry about them wanting to see you.

Commentators like Yanina Latorre suggested Vicuña might be hesitant to engage further with Icardi and his partner, China Suárez, fearing their reaction. Icardi's Instagram posts continued his criticism, implying that Vicuña's public statements might be an attempt to gain attention for his work, such as a play or film, and that his narrative does not align with the facts. He also alluded to Vicuña possibly copying the discourse of another party involved.

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If your children live abroad, the logical thing would be to want to make the most of every possible day with them. Afterwards, in front of the cameras, the discourse is different. When the numbers don't match the story, questions or victimizations start to arise to sell a play or a movie.