Caracol Televisión confirmed on Tuesday, March 24, the departure of anchors Jorge Alfredo Vargas and Ricardo Orrego amid sexual harassment allegations. The network fired Orrego and reached a mutual separation agreement with Vargas. Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office opened a formal investigation into the accusations.
Names surface after 5 days of silence
Five days earlier, Caracol had acknowledged that two of its anchors faced internal investigations over sexual harassment complaints without identifying them. Tuesday’s statement confirmed both men.
“In recent days, allegations of particular gravity have come to light that deeply trouble our organization and have demanded a clear, responsible, and transparent response,” the network said.
“These decisions do not constitute a value judgment on the reported facts, nor do they imply a conclusion about individual responsibilities,” the statement added. The network said the departures aim to protect the integrity of everyone involved and their families, and to ensure investigations proceed with full independence.
Accusations spread on social media
The accusations surfaced on social media as part of a resurgent #MeToo Colombia movement led by several women journalists at the network. Caracol described the allegations as “particularly serious” and said they demanded a response that was “clear, responsible and transparent.”
Comunicado oficial #2 pic.twitter.com/cwbqaqORm9
— Caracol Televisión (@CaracolTV) March 24, 2026
The network expressed respect and recognition for those who spoke out. “We know that doing so is not easy,” the statement read. “This process is aimed at listening to them, supporting them and ensuring that each testimony is treated with the seriousness, care and confidentiality it deserves.”
Two faces of Colombian television
Jorge Alfredo Vargas anchored Noticias Caracol’s 7 p.m. broadcast — the country’s most-watched newscast — for nearly two decades. He also hosted Voz Populi, a news and satire program on Blu Radio. Vargas studied journalism at Universidad Javeriana and specialized in economic journalism at Universidad de La Sabana.
In a statement posted on X, Vargas said he had always practiced journalism “with rigor, independence and respect.” He acknowledged making mistakes “like any human being,” but maintained he always acted with clear principles. “Those who have worked with me know my character, my warm and familiar way of being,” he wrote.
— Jorge Alfredo Vargas (@JorgeAVargasA) March 24, 2026
Ricardo Orrego began his career at regional broadcaster Telecafé in his hometown of Manizales in 1992. He joined Gol Caracol in 2000 and rose to become the network’s deputy sports director. His career included coverage of World Cups, Olympic Games, and major cycling tours. In 2017, he received a nomination for the India Catalina Award for his work at Gol Caracol.
A case that now goes beyond the newsroom
The Attorney General’s Office said it opened a preliminary investigation into the allegations against both journalists. Caracol reaffirmed its commitment to building “a safe, respectful and dignified work environment” for all its employees.