Anita Espasandín defends Benjamín Vicuña amid Icardi feud

The public feud between Mauro Icardi and Benjamín Vicuña escalated this week, drawing in Vicuña's partner, Anita Espasandín, who publicly defended him. The conflict began after Vicuña spoke emotionally on the show PH: Podemos Hablar about the distance from his children Magnolia and Amancio, who live in Turkey with their mother, Eugenia "China" Suárez, and Icardi. Icardi responded on Instagram, accusing Vicuña of playing the victim and claiming he spent only 15–20 days with the children during their nearly 80 days in Argentina Source: Infobae.

The defense

Espasandín, an architect, told reporters that her social media post was unrelated to the controversy and insisted Vicuña is a "padrazo" (great dad). "El posteo no tuvo que ver con nada, son cosas privadas de la intimidad. A Benjamín no lo cuestionan," she said Source: La Voz del Interior. She also urged respect for the children: "Cuando hay niños creo que hay que ser respetuoso, hay que cuidar un poco" Source: Clarín. Her Instagram post, featuring black-and-white photos and reflective captions, was widely interpreted as a show of support Source: Emol.

Vicuña's response

Vicuña declined to engage directly, telling a reporter via message: "Entiendo que están haciendo su trabajo, pero yo estoy enfocado en el teatro, que anda muy bien, y en mi familia, que son mis cinco hijos, no tengo tiempo para más que eso" Source: Clarín. Some commentators suggested he fears escalating the conflict Source: Infobae.

Legal fallout

According to journalist Naiara Vecchio, the dispute has broken previous agreements between Vicuña and Suárez regarding their children, and lawyers are set to meet urgently. "Nada sigue igual desde ahora, se habla todo de nuevo," she said Source: La Voz del Interior. Icardi also posted a photo of a toilet with Suárez's song "Ay Ay Ay," which was seen as a further provocation Source: Clarín.