Particle.news
Download on the App Store

El Hormiguero Under Fire for Sexist On-Air Remark as Host and Commentator Apologize

Spain’s Institute of Women says it will press the broadcaster to comply with equality rules following complaints over sexist treatment.

Overview

  • During a panel discussing Sarah Santaolalla’s critique of Felipe González, Rosa Belmonte referred to her as “half dumb, half boobs,” prompting silence and uneasy laughter on air.
  • Santaolalla posted the clip and denounced the exchange as a televised humiliation, writing that “it wasn’t ants, it was rats,” and framing it as part of recurring harassment.
  • Pablo Motos opened the next broadcast with an apology, calling the remark a mistake and pledging it would not be repeated, while Belmonte apologized on X and said the line was spontaneous.
  • The Institute of Women joined the complaint and said it will urge Antena 3 to observe equality regulations after receiving grievances about sexist treatment on the program.
  • Political and media reactions widened the fallout, with figures like Adriana Lastra calling the episode an example of public harassment of visible women and presenter Nuria Roca labeling the comment a humiliation.