This popular Telemundo anchor was just let go amid COVID-19 layoffs in Miami

Madeleine Marr
·2 min read

María Celeste Arrarás is putting on a brave face after being let go from “Al Rojo Vivo” on NBCUniversal’s Telemundo.

The veteran journalist, 59, announced the unfortunate news Wednesday via Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

Queridos amigos, con profunda tristeza, quiero informarles que ayer fue mi último día con Al Rojo Vivo y en la pantalla de Telemundo. Esta mañana fui informada por la empresa de que han decidido que el programa tome otro rumbo y que debido a ajustes por la pandemia ya no seré mas parte del show. Telemundo ha sido mi casa durante casi 20 años y estoy muy agradecida por la oportunidad que me brindaron de haber podido cubrir grandes eventos noticiosos y de servir a nuestra comunidad hispana por tantos años. Dejo atrás a muchos compañeros queridos que siempre podrán contar con todo mi apoyo. Ni mi pasión por el trabajo, ni mi carrera terminan aquí. Por el contrario, mi compromiso con ustedes continúa tan fuerte como siempre.

A post shared by Maria Celeste (@mariacelestearraras) on Aug 5, 2020 at 10:47am PDT

“With profound sadness, I want to inform you that [Tuesday] was my last day with ‘Al Rojo Vivo’ and on the Telemundo screen,” read her post next to a picture of her smiling. “This morning I was informed by the company that they have decided to take the program in a different direction due to changes around the pandemic, I will no longer be part of the show.”

Arrarás’ departure comes on the heels of widespread layoffs at the network. Among other layoffs at Telemundo: Rashel Diáz, with “Un Nuevo Dia.”

Arrarás, a Puerto Rico native, joined Telemundo in 2002 as host of “Al Rojo Vivo con María Celeste.” Before that gig, she worked at Spanish-language competitor Univision, anchoring “Primer Impacto.” Her salary was rumored to be in the $1 million a year range.

View this post on Instagram

#TBT hace poco más de un año celebrando la vida, la familia y la amistad con mi estimada @mariacelestearraras en Londres. Fuerza Mari #retrojueves️ #amistad #colegas

A post shared by Maria Elena Salinas (@mariaesalinas) on Aug 6, 2020 at 5:38am PDT

The popular newswoman is getting support from the Miami community. On Thursday, Ffllow TV journalist María Elena Salinas posted a throwback picture of the two pals clinking cocktails in London.

“It was a little over a year ago we were celebrating life, family and friendship,” Salinas wrote. “Strength Mari.”