The United States' largest Spanish-language television channel has fired a key presenter who said First Lady Michelle Obama looked like a cast member from "Planet of the Apes," Univision said Thursday.
Venezuelan host Rodner Figueroa made the comment Wednesday during the evening "El Gordo y La Flaca" program, as moderators discussed a make-up artist who had transformed himself into a variety of female celebrity figures, including Obama.
As images of the man plus Obama appeared on the screen, Figueroa commented in Spanish that "Michelle Obama looks like a cast member of 'Planet of the Apes.'"
Univision moved swiftly to fire Figueroa.
"Yesterday during our entertainment program 'El Gordo y La Flaca' Rodner Figueroa made comments regarding First Lady Michelle Obama that were completely reprehensible," Univision said in a statement.
"As a result, Mr Figueroa was immediately terminated."
Figueroa, nicknamed "El Fashionista," made a name for himself on Univision as a fashion expert, with frequent commentary and critiques of US and Latin stars plus red-carpet interviews.