The incident at Benidorm Fest instantly became a major talking point across Spain. The spotlight was on the unexpected move by the lead singer of Nebulossa, the group representing the country at Eurovision 2024. Her gesture—exposing part of her breast while holding a Palestinian flag—sparked not only a wave of emotions on social media, but also ignited political debate.
The evening concluded with a large-scale musical performance that brought together artists from various years, including Vicco, Agoney, and, of course, Nebulossa. It was at this moment that singer Mery decided on her provocative act: under the stage lights, she lifted her clothing to reveal part of her chest, where a miniature Palestinian symbol was attached. The episode was immediately captured by cameras and soon went viral online.
Public Reaction
Mery’s act prompted an immediate response from Spanish society. Social media users were divided: some praised the artist for her courage and civic expression, while others criticized her for inappropriateness and breaking live broadcast rules. Comments called for an investigation, with concerns raised that such actions could impact the national broadcaster’s image.
Special attention was drawn to the fact that the incident occurred against the backdrop of RTVE’s decision to withdraw from Eurovision due to Israel’s participation. Last year, Israel’s involvement had already sparked controversy, and now Nebulossa’s gesture has become a new flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the role of politics in musical events.
Political ramifications
The issue of the admissibility of such actions on state television channels has already been raised in the Congress of Deputies. It is expected that upcoming sessions will review the activities of RTVE and consider possible measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Political parties are preparing appeals and demanding explanations from the network’s management.
Some deputies believe that such performances may be regarded as political statements, which contradicts the principles of public broadcasting. Others, on the contrary, insist on freedom of expression and support artists who use the stage to draw attention to pressing issues.
Impact on public opinion
The scandal surrounding Nebulossa’s performance has reflected a deep divide in Spanish society over international politics and freedom of expression. The discussion has not subsided in the media or private conversations. Many note that such episodes are becoming increasingly common at major cultural events, indicating the growing influence of politics in the entertainment sphere.
Recalling recent incidents, it is worth noting that in recent years, artists at various festivals and competitions have increasingly used the stage to express their views on current issues. Such actions have already become the subject of parliamentary discussions and have sparked heated debates among audiences and experts. As a result, the line between art and politics is becoming increasingly blurred, and every high-profile performance sparks widespread public reaction.
