You probably wouldn't put the king of Mexican family comedy and the "Antichrist Superstar" in the same room. Honestly, why would you? One makes movies about adorable kids and over-the-top dads, while the other spent the late 90s terrifying parents across the globe. But in the world of Latin American pop culture, the names Eugenio Derbez and Marilyn Manson are linked by a character that basically defined a decade of Mexican television.
If you grew up watching XHDRBZ or Derbez en Cuando, you know exactly who I’m talking about: Marilyn Menson.
It wasn't just a costume. It was a cultural phenomenon that recently came roaring back to life in 2025 during a real-life Manson concert in Mexico. People were genuinely confused, memes were flying, and Derbez himself had to jump in to address the chaos.
The Birth of Marilyn Menson
Back in the early 2000s, Eugenio Derbez was at the peak of his sketch comedy powers. He had this knack for taking global icons and turning them into "Mexicanized" versions of themselves. Enter Marilyn Menson.
The character was a masterpiece of low-budget parody. Derbez wore the signature white face paint, the mismatched contact lenses, and the stringy black hair. But instead of singing about industrial metal apocalypse, this version of the rock star sang cumbia and regional Mexican music. Specifically, his "hit" was a version of La del Moño Colorado.
It’s weird. It’s jarring. It’s hilarious.
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The joke was simple: what if the world's most feared goth icon was actually just a guy from Mexico City trying to get a gig at a local party? This wasn't just a one-off bit. Menson became a recurring character, often appearing on Otro Rollo with Adal Ramones, where the contrast between the "dark" aesthetic and Derbez’s goofy physical comedy became legendary.
That Time Derbez Almost Got Arrested in Greece
There is a real, chaotic story that links this character to an actual run-in with the law. Eugenio Derbez once shared an anecdote about being in Greece for the Olympics. He was dressed in full Marilyn Menson gear—makeup, fishnets, the whole deal—alongside fellow comedian Omar Chaparro (who was dressed as a member of RBD).
They were filming a sketch in a public area without a permit. The Greek police were not amused.
According to Derbez, the officers started shouting in Greek, and there he was, looking like a demonic rock star, trying to explain himself in broken English. He famously told the cop, "Why are you mad?" while wearing heavy eyeliner and platforms. It’s a miracle they didn't end up in a Greek prison for three years. Honestly, can you imagine the mugshots?
Why the Internet Exploded in 2025
Fast forward to August 2025. Marilyn Manson (the real one) performed at the Feria Nacional Potosina (FENAPO) in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
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This was a massive deal. It was a free concert, and thousands of people showed up. But a funny thing happened on the way to the mosh pit. A TikToker named Cynthia Cruz started interviewing fans in the crowd, asking them if they were there to see the "real" Manson or the Derbez version.
The responses were pure gold.
Some fans were jokingly singing La del Moño Colorado while waiting for The Beautiful People. The video went so viral that it eventually reached Derbez himself. He reacted on social media, leaning into the joke and effectively merging the two worlds again. It proved that for a whole generation of Mexicans, you cannot think of the shock rocker without also thinking of the guy who played Ludovico Pelouche.
The Contrast in Performance Styles
- The Real Manson: Dark imagery, theatrical blasphemy, industrial soundscapes, high-budget production.
- The Derbez Version: High-pitched voice, intentional "bad" dancing, cumbia lyrics, and a lot of self-deprecating humor.
Is It Disrespectful?
You might wonder if the real Marilyn Manson knows about his Mexican comedic twin. There’s no official record of Manson commenting on Derbez, but in the world of parody, imitation is usually a sign of massive cultural relevance. At the height of his fame, Manson was the ultimate boogeyman. Derbez took that fear and turned it into something harmless and funny, which is basically the highest form of satire.
The character worked because it wasn't mean-spirited. It was a commentary on how Mexico adopts global trends and adds its own spice to them.
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What You Should Know if You're New to the Joke
If you're just discovering this weird crossover, you need to understand the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of the situation. Derbez isn't just a "YouTube comedian." He is a powerhouse in the industry with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His ability to bridge the gap between "niche" rock culture and "mainstream" family comedy is why he’s stayed relevant for 30+ years.
The "Marilyn Menson" Essentials:
- Watch the "Otro Rollo" interviews: This is where the character’s personality really shines.
- Look for the FENAPO 2025 memes: They show how deep the nostalgia runs in Mexico.
- Check out the Greek Olympics story: It’s a testament to how far comedians will go for a laugh.
Basically, the connection between these two is a weird, wonderful piece of internet history that refuses to die. It reminds us that no matter how serious or "dark" an artist is, there's always room for a little cumbia-fueled parody.
Next Steps for You
If you want to see the madness for yourself, go to YouTube and search for "Marilyn Menson La del Moño Colorado." It is the definitive video for understanding the character's appeal. After that, look up Eugenio's 2025 reaction video to the San Luis Potosí concert to see how he continues to embrace the meme decades later.
Understanding this parody gives you a unique window into Mexican pop culture and how it interacts with American media icons. It’s a perfect example of how comedy can take something "scary" and make it a part of the family dinner conversation.