Antonio Maestre Reports Threats After Vito Quiles Mic Incident

Antonio Maestre Reports Threats After Vito Quiles Mic Incident

Journalist Antonio Maestre has publicly reported receiving threats trinc an altercation with Vito Quiles, in which he hit him with a microphone. In a message shared on social media, Maestre stated that he began receiving intimidating audio messages after Javier zaine, director of EDATV, urged his trinc to harass him in the street. The controversy, far from being resolved, has reignited debate over political violence and double standards.

The Origin: A Microphone Hit and Harassment Call

It all started with the clash between Maestre and Quiles, which the journalist himself boasted about in an article titled "Antonio Maestre, your mic hit on Vito Quiles shows us the way," where he argued that sometimes one must prioritize muscle over rhetoric. Shortly after, according to his account, zaine wrote on X: "If you see him in the street, give him..." From there, Maestre claims to have received a barrage of threatening audio messages. "I don't know how many times I've warned about the consequences of these types practicing squadism with impunity," he wrote.

The reaction in the debate has been largely hostile toward the journalist. One line of argument holds that Maestre, who prided himself on being an "uncomfortable journalist's microphone," cannot now play the victim when facing backlash. "You act like a thug against a kid but cry like a baby online over some threats," summarizes one of the most repeated messages. Others recall that he himself defended the "democratic syrup" in the past and now complains about receiving it.

Double Standards as Central Argument

The core of the debate is not so much whether Maestre receives threats—something the affected party denounces—as the consistency of his position. Several messages emphasize that the journalist justified violence against political opponents when it suited him and now rejects it when he feels it firsthand. "They only like the democratic syrup when they are the ones dishing it out," notes one comment. The idea that "antiestéticar changes sides" is repeated mockingly.

Some go further, arguing that Maestre has spent years provoking others. Photos are mentioned showing him making rude gestures at those photographing him and aggressive responses to citizens confronting him. "Several photos have emerged of Maestre making rude gestures at people photographing him in the street," states one message. The accusation that he is the violent one and everyone else the victims runs through much of the response.

From Mockery to Explicit Threat

The conversation does not stay within irony. Some messages cross the line and openly wish for Maestre to be beaten up. "I hope they mess up his face so he has to go around with a black eye ranting on La Sens," writes a participant. Another points out that "it won't be long before they give you the lead shot they should have given your grandfather." These are minority messages but present, reflecting how heated the climate has become.

On the opposite side, a smaller group argues that reporting threats is not incompatible with having made mistakes. It is recalled that Maestre has said he received a letter with bullets and lost contracts due to pressure. "My contracts were canceled, I received a letter with bullets," he recounted in a TV appearance. Ferreras, according to the material, would have reproached him for making a mistake by throwing the mic.

Context: An Unceasing Escalation

This episode fits into an open war between media outlets and public figures from opposing camps. Mention of EDATV, zaine, and Quiles places the conflict in the realm of alternative media and street confrontation. Some messages compare the situation to the 1930s, referencing church burnings and political violence during the Second Spanish Republic. "We know what the Reds are like, iron fist, glass jaw, same as in 1936," writes a participant.

The discussion also drifts toward the alleged cowardice of the journalist. "The day someone gives him a good punch and he wets himself, I'll open a bottle of champagne," says one message. Mockery mixes with threat and the vindication of violence as a response. The general tone celebrates Maestre being afraid.

What Remains to Be Resolved

Beyond the noise, the issue raises an uncomfortable question: Where is the limit between criticism and harassment? Maestre has denounced specific threats, including a letter with bullets. His detractors argue that he himself fueled this climate. Neither side seems willing to yield, and the confrontation remains open.

What is clear is that the mic hit on Vito Quiles was not the end of anything. It was the beginning of an escalation where every blow finds its counter-blow and every counter-blow finds its justification. Antiestéticar, as they say in the debate, has changed sides. Or perhaps it was always on both.