The Prime Video series Who killed him? has once again put the enigmatic life and death of Paco Stanley. Recently released, its second episode shows how Stanley and Mario Bezares are ignored by Emilio ‘El Tigre’ Azcárraga in the corridors of Televisa. Shortly after, they learn of the cancellation of their program, precipitating their abrupt emigration to TV Azteca.
Francisco Jorge Stanley Albaitero, popularly known as Paco Stanley, is remembered for his charisma and humor, qualities that made him one of the most beloved drivers in Mexico. However, before his tragic death, a series of events with Emilio Azcárraga Milmo, the powerful owner of Televisaculminated in his departure from this influential television company.
According to various testimonies, including the book My truth by Jorge Gil, Stanley’s friend, The incident that caused his departure originated from a joke made towards Azcárragawhich was not very to his liking.
During a chance meeting at the Televisa facilities, Stanley introduced an unknown woman as his wife before the businessman. Azcárraga greeted her pleasantly, but then the driver revealed that it was all a joke by starting to laugh, which left Emilio ‘El Tigre’ visibly upset. This event is noted as the beginning of the veto that led the host to seek refuge at TV Azteca in 1997.
Before this mishap, Paco Stanley began his career in the 70s on the radio and on Televisa, where he presented the program Our people. Its success was undeniable, consummating in the 90s with programs such as Come along! and Take it away.
At the end of 1997, his emigration to TV Azteca came as a surprise to many, given Televisa’s firm policy of exclusivity. At that time, changing television stations or even having a relationship with the other, already belonging to one, was considered a tremendous betrayal.
The change in Televisa’s management also played a crucial role. After the death of Emilio Azcárraga Milmo in 1997, his son Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean assumed control. In the documentary The Show, chronicle of a murder, Pepe Cabello reveals the exact circumstances of Stanley’s dismissal. According to Cabello, the driver was informed of his departure via fax.
“I see that Paco’s face falls while reading a fax, he turns to look at me and I see his enchilado face… but seriously enchilado,” commented Cabello. He went on to describe how Stanley, visibly affected, asked his partner Benito Castro to say goodbye to him because “this is your last show.”
He further detailed Stanley’s indignation: “Do you think I deserve this? Let them send me away through a fucking fax; “After what I have meant to this company, after what I have given them to earn?”.
Stanley’s abrupt departure from Televisa not only left a mark on his career, but also marked a milestone in the rivalry between Mexico’s two main television stations. His quick adaptation to TV Azteca and the continued success of his programs confirmed his popularity among the Mexican public.
The recent interest in his life and work, fueled by the series of Prime Videorevives the mystery around his figure and the events that led to his tragic murder in June 1999. The series Who killed him? releases new episodes every Friday.
