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Se comenta que el chisme desató el caos.

Se comenta que el chisme desató el caos.
It is commented that the gossip triggered chaos.
From Lesson 307:Impersonal statements (se dice que)·Spanish (Latin America)

Questions & Answers about Se comenta que el chisme desató el caos.

Why do we use the indicative desató instead of the subjunctive after se comenta que?
Even though it is an impersonal expression, se comenta que (it is commented that / people say that) reports information. Verbs of reporting or communication take the indicative in the affirmative. If it were negative, like no se comenta que, it would introduce doubt and trigger the subjunctive.
What is the literal meaning of desató?
The verb desatar literally means to untie (des- meaning un-, and atar meaning to tie). In this sentence, it is used figuratively to mean to unleash, to spark, or to trigger something intense, like el caos (chaos).
Could I translate se comenta as 'people comment' instead of 'it is commented'?
Absolutely. In English, 'it is commented' can sound a bit stiff. The impersonal se is often the most natural way to express 'people say', 'they say', or 'rumor has it' in Spanish, because it focuses on the action rather than a specific subject.
Is el chisme a single rumor or gossip in general?
It can be both. Unlike the English word 'gossip' which is usually uncountable, el chisme can mean gossip in general, or it can refer to one specific rumor. You will also frequently hear the plural los chismes for multiple rumors.

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