Biden’s Embrace of ‘Flamin’ Hot’ Director Eva Longoria Usurps Film Screening

U.S. actress and director Eva Longoria (R) speaks flanked by President Joe Biden during a screening of the film "Flamin' Hot" at the White House in Washington, D.C. on June 15, 2023. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden on Thursday hosted a White House screening of actress Eva Longoria’s new film about the invention of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, describing it as “exactly what the Hispanic American community embodies.”

Longoria directed the film with the same name as the famous snack product, which is based on the story of Frito-Lay janitor Richard Montanez who claims he invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. However, an investigative piece in the Los Angeles Times dated May 16, 2021, has since disputed Montanez’s story. There was no public mention of that, however, by either Biden, his wife First Lady Jill Biden who also attended, or Longoria during Thursday’s event on the White House south lawn.

What did make headlines in several online publications was video showing Biden putting his hands on Longoria before the actress pulled his hands away. In the clip that has since gone viral, Biden is seen sharing a hug with Longoria with his hands appearing to come close to the actress’s breast at the end of the embrace.

Frito-Lay Disputes Montanez’s Story

According to the Times story, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos was actually created by a team at the Frito-Lay headquarters in Plano, Texas, as a snack product meant to rival other such food items in the Midwest. The story included testimonies from former Frito-Lay employees as well as reports from the company’s own 2018 internal investigation over the matter.

The company, which is the current subsidiary of PepsiCo, also warned the movie’s filmmakers that it couldn’t corroborate Montanez’s version of events before production began on the film. That’s despite the movie featuring a title card at its ending asserting that it’s based on a “true story.”

On Thursday, with hundreds of people present including members of the cast, members of Congress and leaders of the Latino community, a mariachi band played on the Blue Room balcony prior to the screening. That’s as Biden told the crowd it was the first White House screening of a film focused on Hispanic characters.

“When I think about tonight’s movie, I think about courage. So many of you, your ancestors left behind all that they knew to start a new life in the United States,” said Biden, who announced in April that he is running for a second presidential term and that Hispanic Americans are a core part of the Democratic Party base.

Jill Biden said Montanez helped to change the way companies see Latino customers.

“This film isn’t just about Richard,” said Mrs. Biden. “It’s about everyone who has been overlooked or underestimated.”

Longoria Makes ‘Inclusion’ a Priority

Longoria told the crowd Montanez’s story inspired her because of the “no’s” she’s received during her own career. She recounted those making the film strived “to promote this authentic film steeped in inclusion.”

“Richard Montanez disrupted the food industry in the ’90s by channeling his Mexican American heritage to help turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into a multibillion-dollar brand today and a cultural phenomenon,” said Longoria. “We are telling a story that celebrates the American entrepreneurial dream without sidestepping the fact that the dream isn’t available in the same way for everyone.”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday prepped Thursday’s event by describing the movie night as part of an “effort to lift up and engage the community by showcasing their stories and celebrating their contributions to our country.”

The movie, which stars Jesse Garcia as Montanez, is currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+. It received a 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.9 out of 10 on IMDb (Internet Movie Database). Promotional material for the film states that Montanez “channeled his Mexican American heritage and upbringing to turn iconic Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into a snack that disrupted the food industry and became a global pop culture phenomenon.”

The comedy-drama marks Longoria’s debut as a film director. Best known for her role on Desperate Housewives, the actress is also very outspoken about politics. She has previously spoken at the party’s past three national political conventions, including serving as a host on the first night of the virtual 2020 Democratic Convention, and has helped raise funds for Biden, former President Barack Obama, and other Democratic candidates.

Stil, after its White House screening, there was more buzz about Biden’s behavior than the actual movie.

Former political candidate Kimberly Klacik posted on Twitter: “I hope you consider speaking out against this behavior Eva Longoria. This is not okay & I am sorry you had to deal with it.”