Cayetano Rivera has stepped back from the public dispute with his brother Fran, putting his energy into painting. His recent appearance at an art session points to a new direction, while the family conflict continues in the background.
Cayetano Rivera’s absence from the Goyesca de Ronda has highlighted the growing rift with his brother Fran. Instead of adding to the public argument, Cayetano has turned his attention to art. Several Spanish media outlets have cited his absence from the 2026 event as the basic trigger for the brothers’ public conflict, while both sides have offered conflicting accounts of prior agreements.
After releasing a sharply worded statement last week that sparked speculation, Cayetano has stayed quiet. Fran shared his side with ¡HOLA!, while Cayetano has said nothing further. His decision to leave bullfighting a year ago already pointed to a turning point, but the current family dispute has moved him further from the spotlight.
Now Cayetano is spending time with canvases and brushes instead of in the ring. His latest public appearance was at a creative session with Fabiola Urien Saenz, a self-taught painter from Burgos known for her socially engaged work. The meeting came as Cayetano immersed himself in painting, shifting his attention away from constant scrutiny of his family’s disputes.
For Cayetano, art is more than a distraction. Earlier this year, he presented 'Panda', a collaborative collection with Domingo Zapata, whose clients include international celebrities. The two have been friends for years: Zapata even painted a bullfighting suit for Cayetano in 2023, which he wore at the Picassiana de Málaga. This summer, they hosted actor Adrien Brody in the Balearic Islands, bringing art and a fresh public image together.
Despite the media attention, Cayetano’s daily life remains centered on his children, Lucía Rivera and young Cayetano, along with a strict fitness routine. His relationship with Tamara Gorro remains private. Meanwhile, the family feud is playing out in public. Their youngest brother, Julián Contreras, recently said on Fiesta that he sides with what he considers logical and coherent. He added that Cayetano is now experiencing the same isolation he has felt for years. The Objective has reported that the dispute over the Goyesca de Ronda reflects broader tensions within the Ordóñez-Rivera family, including disagreements over inheritance and the management of family properties.
By refusing to answer Fran or respond to provocations, Cayetano is choosing to let time and distance do what public arguments cannot. His turn to art offers a way to protect himself and redefine his identity. In a family where public image and tradition often come first, his silence and focus on painting show he will not be drawn into a spectacle. One of Spain’s best-known bullfighters is quietly shaping his own path, one painting at a time.
