A few days ago, an unfortunate remark by Viviana Colmenero, former winner of Gran Hermano 2002, sparked strong backlash on social networks and in the media for referring to Tamara Paganini’s past attempts to take her own life. In light of the incident’s magnitude, the runner-up of the 2001 edition broke her silence and issued a painful statement about the importance of respecting mental health processes.
The conflict erupted when Colmenero commented on Tamara’s career within the context of one of the latest seasons of the reality show. “On top of that, she came back and didn’t win. It’s to kill her, this time commit suicide for real,” she declared on the streaming program All Access, immediately causing discomfort and offense among those present.
Viviana colmenero SE FUE AL PASTO en all access refiriendose a Tamara Paganini “Que esta vez se suicide en serio” #GranHermano #AllAccess #LAM #SQP pic.twitter.com/XXdWI2mxNL
— Lauti 🥑 (@Lautarilloo) September 16, 2026
The gravity of the words lies in the fact that Paganini revealed on several occasions having endured severe episodes of depression and suicide attempts. Although Colmenero tried to justify herself, asserting that it was a joke “that got out of hand” and apologized, the backlash was widespread.
The Painful Reaction of Tamara Paganini
Asked on the Bondi Live program about what happened, Tamara appeared deeply shocked. The media figure confessed that she learned of the incident unexpectedly when a reporter approached her in Telefe’s recording studio to ask about it.
Surprised at first by the literal wording of the remark, Tamara recalled her initial response: “If it’s really as you’re telling me, I hope Viviana gets better.”
Furthermore, the former contestant reviewed the bond she had with the panelist. She clarified that, although she knew her from the industry, they were never close friends but also did not have prior conflicts. “We never had a problem, I liked her. But what Viviana said was so targeted; she said it specifically because I told it. At that moment I did not know this side of malice,” she reflected on the attack.
A Call for Empathy and Responsibility When Talking About Mental Health
As the interview progressed, Tamara’s voice began to crack as she recalled the fragility of the topic used for humor. “Yes, I completely agree that she’s angry with life, with what happened to her, I don’t know exactly,” she expressed with distress.
With emotions running high, Paganini used the moment to deliver a conscience-raising message about the impact that suicide has on family and loved ones. “Let all the people who went through this write to her sharing experiences, telling her that their son or mother is no longer here… What did you feel and how did you realize what the other person felt? Because when someone chooses to take their own life, they leave behind a lot of things,” she reflected, visibly moved.
LA RESPUESTA DE TAMARA PAGANINI TRAS LOS DICHOS DE VIVIANA COLMENERO @nazavelez @barvelez @alemaglietti @indiapaganini pic.twitter.com/iFvEDPzMHV
— Bondi (@bondi_liveok) September 18, 2026
“You find a lot of things that you realize from what was happening. What does this person feel who comes across all of this, when they realize everything they were going through?” she added, tearfully.
With a sincere and forceful testament, Tamara underscored the imperative need to communicate with responsibility, empathy, and sensitivity, reminding that mental health cannot be the subject of mockery or media taunts.
