Madrid Court Acquits Pilar Baselga in Begoña Gómez Defamation Case. Pilar Baselga, accused of spreading false rumors about Begoña Gómez, has been acquitted by a Madrid court. The judge determined that her statements did not cause demonstrable harm to honor. The decision sparked public debate.
A high-profile trial has concluded in Madrid over public insults directed at the wife of Spain’s Prime Minister, Begoña Gómez. Pilar Baselga, known for her provocative statements, was acquitted of defamation and insult charges. The court found insufficient grounds to consider her remarks as criminally punishable.
Controversial statements and the court's response
In 2022, during an appearance on the program Los intocables on Distrito TV, Baselga claimed that Begoña Gómez was allegedly born male and bore the name 'Begoño', and also hinted at her possible involvement in drug trafficking in Morocco. These claims quickly spread across social media and sparked intense debate. In court, Baselga referred to publications from 'alternative media' but could not name any specific sources.
Judge Beatriz Suárez Martín, presiding over Madrid’s 22nd Criminal Court, noted in the decision that the subjective element of the crime had not been proven—in other words, it was not demonstrated that the defendant’s words actually harmed the victim’s honor. According to the court, Baselga’s remarks bordered between satire and defamation, but did not cross the line. The use of the nickname 'Begoño' was not in itself deemed offensive, and criticism and satirical humor may be protected by law.
Arguments from both sides and details of the proceedings
During the hearings, Baselga apologized for her words but insisted on her innocence, claiming her statements were improvised and not intended to defame anyone. She emphasized that she relied on information from other sources, although she admitted the tone of her remarks was unfortunate. The prosecution demanded a fine of €21,000 and a joint compensation of €20,000, which was also to be paid by the broadcaster Distrito TV.
The judge specifically noted the absence of a personal statement from the victim in the case, and that the expert report provided could not replace direct testimony regarding reputational damage. The ruling emphasizes that it is impossible to determine whether Baselga’s words truly affected the dignity or reputation of Begoña Gómez, as the right to honor is personal and subjective.
Context and other episodes
Pilar Baselga is known not only for this case. Previously, she promoted controversial accounts regarding events in Valencia related to Bar España, and the tragedy in the parking garages during the flooding, claiming that authorities hid the bodies of the victims. In addition, Baselga is very active on social media, with over 42,000 YouTube subscribers, and recently announced the launch of her own school with an alternative educational program.
Scandals involving public statements and legal proceedings are not uncommon in Spain. For example, earlier, the media drew attention to the arrest of the vice-consul of Spain in Algeria on suspicion of selling visas— details of this case can be found here.
