Santiago Maratea, a popular influencer in Argentina, found himself in controversy again after a woman raised allegations in the media about possible irregularities linked to a fundraising campaign he organized in 2021. The campaign aimed to raise 10 million pesos to aid El Refugio de Eli, a non-profit organization in Adrogué dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating pets that had lost its facility due to a fire. The initiative sought to build a new home for its owner, Eli, and provide a proper shelter for the rescued animals.

In response to scrutiny regarding how the raised funds were utilized, Maratea took to the TV show LAM (America TV) to address the accusations directly. He emphasized his commitment to the cause and explained that the funds raised were intended for meaningful purposes to support the shelter and its efforts. Maratea's clarification aimed to dispel the doubts raised by the allegations and reaffirm his dedication to philanthropy, despite the criticism he faced.

The incident highlights ongoing discussions about transparency and accountability in fundraising efforts, especially in the age of social media where public figures often engage in charitable activities. As influencers become more involved in philanthropic projects, the expectations of accountability from their audiences increase, and Maratea's experience illustrates the challenges these figures can encounter amid public scrutiny and skepticism regarding the integrity of their initiatives.