‘Rolling Stone’ interview generates controversy: #tellusatoday

Actor Sean Penn’s exclusive interview with wanted drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán prompted a discussion among our readers. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

You’re one of the most wanted fugitives in the world, but you’re going to give an interview to an American celebrity at your hideout because you hope he will do a movie on your life? With his money and connections, Joaquin Guzmán could have been in a different country enjoying his fortune, but he still wanted to rule his cartel.

— Shazzar Kallie

Conducting the interview is disgusting. Tabloid journalistic pandering at its worst.

— Stephen Franz

This article is different from the discredited University of Virginia rape story. Not only was the El Chapo interview real, it also helped lead to Guzmán’s arrest, authorities say. I have no problem with “Rolling Stone” doing an interview as long as it is not glorifying killings.

— Jim McNally

I don’t care if people say the interview is inexcusable. “Rolling Stone” magazine can interview anyone it wants.

— Steven Nicolet

Sean Penn had better watch his back. Although it is clear, at least to me, that Guzmán was done in by his own need for publicity, some of his henchmen might blame Penn and go after him.

— Henk Vandenbergh

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The great crime master turned out to be just another stupid criminal. El Chapo could have remained head of crime in Mexico if he stayed out of the public light. It turns out he just couldn't help himself.

— Hank Chandler

El Chapo will escape again as long as he’s willing to fork out some of his dirty money to dirty and corrupted individuals in the Mexican government.

— Alvaro Quesada

I gave up on “Rolling Stone” after it put one of the Boston Marathon bombers on the cover. I hope it loses more subscribers for publishing so much trash.

— Edgar Morales

We asked what followers thought about actor Sean Penn secretly interviewing Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin Guzmán. Comments from Twitter are edited for clarity and grammar:

Interesting role model for our young people who are star struck. He is glorifying cartels. It is typical selfish Hollywood.

— @keyspan

After Sean Penn’s interview, I bet a secret FBI spy movie is to follow.

— @watsonbarefield

Penn should be charged with a crime.

— @Toborthe8man

Now, can authorities keep El Chapo incarcerated and not allow his third escape?

— @WorldTvlr

For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday.