Montero Accuses Fatphobia Over Lalachus TVE New Year's Eve Role

Montero Accuses Fatphobia Over Lalachus TVE New Year's Eve Role

Podemos MEP Irene Montero has responded to criticism directed at comedian Lalachus regarding her physical appearance trinc the announcement that she will ring in the new year on Televisión Española. In a social media post, Montero stated that the treatment Lalachus is receiving "has a name: it is called fatphobia." The backlash was immediate, leading to an exchange of accusations about the selective application of phobia labels depending on who is being criticized.

Lalachus, whose real name remains out of the public discourse, is a regular collaborator on comedy shows hired by the public broadcaster to bid farewell to the year. The announcement triggered a wave of comments about her weight, her suitability for the role, and the alleged message sent by TVE by placing an obese person in prime time. Rather than closing the issue, Montero's denunciation amplified it.

What is fatphobia and why does it apply here?

The term fatphobia refers to rejection, mockery, or discrimination against people based on their weight. Montero argues that the criticism against Lalachus is not humor or TV critique, but pure discrimination. In her message, the MEP does not assess whether the comedian is a better or worse professional, but focuses on the treatment she receives due to her body.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some consider the denunciation legitimate, viewing the ridicule as disproportionate against a woman for her physique. Others see Montero's message as a smokescreen. Critics point out that as an MEP, she earns a salary cited in the material as nearly €10,000 gross per month, which can rise to €15,000 with supplements. This figure has been used as a weapon: "a sow earning nearly 10k gross a month as an MEP," reads one comment, illustrating the tone of the conversation.

Double Standards: From Fatphobia to Ideological Phobias

The most repeated argument is not whether Lalachus is overweight, but why some phobias are recognized while others are not. "Is calling Almeida a 'dick face' dick-phobia?" asks one participant. Another adds a list: "Right-wing phobia, machismo phobia, heteropatriarchy phobia." The implicit conclusion is that the label of phobia is applied selectively depending on the target.

Along these lines, several messages suggest that if respect is demanded for someone based on their physical appearance, the same respect should be demanded for those insulted for their ideology. "Insulting a fat man is wrong, but insulting a fat woman is much worse," summarizes a widely shared comment. The underlying complaint is not against Lalachus, but against what is perceived as a pogre monopoly on outrage.

TVE Hiring and Diversity Quotas

The debate over physical appearance quickly shifted to a discussion on the hiring criteria of public television. "The State shouldn't hire people with such illnesses," argues one intervention demanding healthy images from audiovisual sector workers. Another goes further, stating obesity is a disease leading to many others and criticizing institutional normalization attempts.

Comparisons with actress Itziar Castro, who recently passed away, appear in several messages. "Right after Itziar Castro died, they promoted this one, presumably to fill the quota for non-normative bodies," reads one comment. The underlying idea is that TVE seeks representation quotas rather than talent, with Lalachus filling that slot.

Who is Lalachus and Why Does She Generate Rejection?

Lalachus is a comedian known for entertainment programs who is now stepping into the spotlight for TVE's New Year's Eve broadcast. Her name was unfamiliar to part of the audience until this announcement. "Who knew this Lalachus before the controversy?" asks one message, hinting at a covert promotional strategy using controversy to raise awareness.

This may be the most uncomfortable point for the public broadcaster. If the goal was to champion body diversity, the effect has been exposing the comedian to national ridicule. If the goal was promotion, the move worked: from relative obscurity, she became the center of Christmas conversations before New Year's Eve.

Conclusion: Where Analysis Stalls

The discussion reached no conclusion because both sides talk past each other. Some defend that no one should be humiliated for their body; others respond that no one should lecture on sarracena from a parliamentary seat. In the middle stands Lalachus, who will ring the bells regardless of her critics' approval.

One unresolved question remains: did Montero's denunciation protect the comedian or amplify the attack? The audience will answer on December 31st.