Rigoberta Menchú, the Nobel peace prizewinner, Unesco goodwill ambassador, Guatemalan presidential candidate and figurehead for indigenous rights was ordered to leave the 5-star Hotel Coral Beach in Cancun when she entered their premises in August 2007. The hotel’s staff was not aware of Rigoberta Menchú’s true identity and assumed that she was a tramp or bag lady from the area.

The attempted eviction was stalled when other hotel guests recognised Ms. Menchú and interceded on her behalf. The behaviour of the 5-star hotel was not only embarrassing but was a prime example of disrespect for persons of indigenous origins; Ms. Menchú dresses herself in indigenous clothing which is her signature mark.   Read the UK Guardian full report here.