Mario Lopez denied that he supports former President Donald Trump in a since-deleted Instagram comment tied to a BuzzFeed report that flagged a video calling several celebrities “MAGA.” The allegation and the denial were reported together, with the BuzzFeed-linked clip labeling Lopez a MAGA supporter and outlets relaying his response.
The exchange drew reaction from a former co-host and renewed attention to past moments in Lopez’s career that the video highlighted. Below is what has been reported, what Lopez wrote according to the reporting, and the context the video and reporters cited.
Mario Lopez
According to the BuzzFeed report and outlets that summarized it, Lopez wrote in the Instagram reply, “You need to get your facts straight. I’ve interviewed Trump many times when he was on ‘The Apprentice.’ And I didn’t attend the White House event. I was in DC shooting a PrimeTime special at the time for CBS celebrating a civics competition for kids.” That reply was described in reporting as later deleted from his account.
Reporters also noted Lopez’s reported explanation that his visible support for the UFC came from a friendship with UFC CEO Dana White and not from political alignment, and that Lopez described himself in public comments as focused on “family, community, culture, and faith.” Because the Instagram reply was reported as deleted, outlets framed the denial as reported rather than independently verified.
Where the MAGA allegation came from
The online video cited in the reporting is titled “Exposing Latino MAGA Artists.” It identified Lopez as part of a group based on past public interactions and signals: a 2016 interview he did with then-candidate Donald Trump for the show Extra, social posts tied to a UFC event, and public accounts he follows on social media, including profiles connected to the Trump family and the former official POTUS account.
BuzzFeed’s coverage tied those elements together as the basis for the video’s characterization. The producers and the write-up treated the 2016 interview and his public social footprint as indicators used to label him a MAGA supporter, which prompted Lopez’s reported reply disputing that portrayal.
Tanika Ray’s comments and reactions
Former Extra co-host Tanika Ray reacted on social media and in comments summarized by outlets. Ray wrote she could “confirm this is true,” and added: “It’s unfortunate but glad the truth is out maybe it will encourage him to think about it. But then again. He’s a capitalist first.”
In another reported comment, Ray said, “He is Mexican and maga and though it’s really confusing to me, it’s his life. He is happy with his choice. I pray people wake up bc this isn’t it.” Those statements are presented as Ray’s opinion responding to the video and reporting.
Context: past Trump interview and UFC ties
The 2016 Extra interview with Trump is repeatedly cited as a touchpoint. In public remarks from that period Lopez described aspects of his background and political stance in ways outlets have used to assess his profile, including noting his Latino heritage and past comments about being conservative.
The video also pointed to Lopez’s social posts linked to a UFC fight and wider visibility around events associated with UFC CEO Dana White. Lopez’s reported Instagram reply said his support for UFC-related posts stemmed from friendship and promotional involvement rather than political endorsement, and he disputed having attended the specific White House event the video referenced.
Source notes and next steps
The reporting is based primarily on BuzzFeed’s coverage of the video and a Fox News summary that relayed the video’s claims and Lopez’s reported reply. Because the Instagram comment has been described as deleted, direct verification of the exact content of the reply is limited at this time.
Outlets reported that Fox News Digital reached out to Lopez’s representatives for comment. As of the latest reporting cited here, Lopez’s team has not issued a new public statement restoring the deleted comment or offering further clarification.
Readers should view the available public record as a mix of a reported denial, a video claim, and opinion-based reactions from a former co-host. If Lopez’s representatives post a public statement or the Instagram comment is restored, news coverage may update to reflect any new confirmation or clarification.
Source attribution: Reporting referenced here includes BuzzFeed’s coverage of the video and a Fox News summary. Original reporting: BuzzFeed; Fox News. Fox News Digital reported it reached out to Lopez’s representatives for comment.
