As the Christmas holidays approach, tension is brewing within Anabel Pantoja’s family—a conflict that has become a topic of discussion in Spanish media and on social networks. The cause of the friction is a complicated situation between Anabel’s current partner, David Rodríguez, and her mother, Merchi Bernal. According to rumors, David has flatly refused to attend holiday dinners with his future mother-in-law, putting Anabel in a difficult position as she tries to plan family gatherings without deepening the divide.
Not only has Anabel found herself under the spotlight, but so has her ex-husband, Omar Sánchez, who surprised many by commenting on the situation. Although he usually keeps his personal life private following their divorce, this time Omar made an exception. His words were brief but pointed: he sees no reason for animosity, and advises Anabel not to distance herself from her family over temporary disagreements.
Family Disputes
The situation grew more complicated when, according to people close to the couple, David Rodríguez issued an ultimatum: it was either him or Anabel’s mother at the holiday table. This stance stirred strong emotions among fans and family friends, as Christmas in Spain is traditionally a time for everyone to gather together despite any differences. Now, Anabel faces a difficult choice that could affect her relationships with both her mother and her partner.
Merchi Bernal, for her part, has not made any public statements, preferring to keep family disputes private. However, it is known that she has always supported her daughter and tried to maintain warm relationships with her partners. David, according to some acquaintances, is not willing to compromise, which only worsens the situation.
Omar Sanchez’s stance
Omar Sanchez, Anabel’s ex-husband, unexpectedly found himself involved in the discussion of the family drama. When asked about his relationship with Merchi Bernal during their marriage, Omar said that he always got along well with her and had nothing bad to say about her. He emphasized that Anabel’s mother treated him with respect and care, and wished his ex-wife success in mending her relationship with her family.
In a brief comment, Omar advised Anabel not to lose touch with her loved ones and to spend the holidays with family despite disagreements. Many saw his words as a show of support for Merchi Bernal, although Omar himself refrained from giving details and avoided making judgments about the current conflict.
Response from Anabel and her circle
Anabel Pantoja herself prefers not to comment on the situation. After returning to Gran Canaria, where she is spending time with her daughter, she has focused on her private life and raising her child. Meanwhile, David Rodriguez is in Cordoba for work and is also not making any public statements.
Those close to Anabel note that she sees such family disagreements as a normal part of life and has no intention of making them public. Right now, her main priority is to stay calm and provide a stable environment at home for her daughter. Despite pressure from the public and the media, Anabel tries not to let her emotions get the better of her and avoids making hasty decisions.
Family traditions and public opinion
In Spain, family celebrations—especially Christmas—hold special significance. Disagreements among relatives on these days are felt more acutely, and society closely watches how public figures handle such situations. Anabel Pantoja’s story has become a topic of discussion not only on entertainment programs but also among ordinary Spaniards, who share their opinions on social media.
Many believe that in these situations, it is important to maintain respect for one’s parents and not let temporary conflicts break family ties. Others support the right of each person to choose whom to spend the holidays with, even if it means temporary estrangement from relatives. In any case, the Pantoja family story once again highlights how complicated relationships between loved ones can be, especially when traditions and personal feelings are at stake.
In case you didn’t know, Omar Sánchez is a well-known Spanish athlete and entrepreneur who rose to fame after participating in various television programs. His marriage to Anabel Pantoja, niece of the famous singer Isabel Pantoja, became one of the most talked-about topics in the Spanish press in 2021. After their divorce, Omar continued to build his career outside of show business, while Anabel focused on raising her daughter and developing her personal brand on social media.
