A major scandal has erupted in the town of Martos, located in the province of Jaén, drawing national attention across Spain. Manuel Cortés, the official responsible for public safety in the municipality, was dismissed after a video featuring him surfaced online. In the footage, recorded for TikTok, Cortés appears with two men performing songs with overtly sexist lyrics and gestures that many found offensive to women.
The video quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of outrage. The songs performed by the men included phrases that demeaned women. One particularly controversial line spoke about “girls who want to please,” among other explicit expressions. The official’s behavior drew sharp criticism not only from internet users but also from political parties and advocacy groups.
Party response
The Socialist Party (PSOE) in Jaén responded to the incident immediately. In an official statement, party representatives emphasized that such actions are incompatible with their principles and values, which are based on respect, equality, and support for feminism. The same day, a disciplinary investigation was opened against Cortés, along with a petition to the party’s federal leadership to expel him from the Socialist ranks.
Martos Mayor Emilio Torres also issued a strong condemnation of his colleague’s actions. He announced that all powers and responsibilities were immediately stripped, and Cortés was urged to resign his council seat. According to Torres, such behavior does not reflect the values of either the municipality or the current administration.
Public Outcry
The scandal went beyond political circles. The video involving Cortés became a hot topic in numerous women’s and human rights organizations. Feminist activists voiced outrage and demanded a tough response from the authorities. On social media, users actively shared their opinions, condemning sexism and calling for systemic change in attitudes toward women at all levels of government.
In his statement, the mayor of Martos emphasized that the city administration does not tolerate such behavior and is committed to defending the dignity and rights of all citizens. He assured that incidents like this will not go unpunished, and the city authorities will continue to promote a policy of equality and respect.
Context and Consequences
The scandal involving Manuel Cortés erupted amid a series of accusations of sexism and harassment recently leveled at Spanish politicians from various parties. Last week, another member of the Socialists, Javier Perales, a deputy from Linares, drew attention after the head of a local business association filed a harassment complaint against him. However, the party was quick to distance itself from the incident.
In Cortés’s case, the response was swift and firm. The party leadership and municipal authorities not only publicly condemned his actions but also took concrete steps to remove the official from all his posts. Society largely viewed this stance as a message of zero tolerance toward displays of sexism and discrimination.
Next steps
A disciplinary review of the former official is expected to conclude soon. The question of his continued membership in the party will be decided at the federal level. Meanwhile, discussions continue in Martos about tightening measures to prevent similar incidents among public officials.
The scandal in Andalucía is another reminder of the importance of combating sexism and discrimination in Spanish society. The reaction from politicians and the public indicates that such behavior is no longer ignored and demands immediate and decisive action.
