Spain's RTVE launches 'Gloria Bendita' and sparks controversy over Romani culture

RTVE launches 'Gloria Bendita' and the row is on

RTVE Play premiered 'Gloria Bendita' this Monday, the first late night show devoted to Romani culture, hosted by actor and activist Ariel Carmona. The programme, which describes itself as «a contemporary, diverse look free of stereotypes», has quickly drawn an angry reaction from part of the audience. The criticism focuses on two fronts: the use of public money for an initiative some call propaganda, and the perception that certain social problems in the Romani community are being glossed over.

A bold format in prime time

RTVE's bet is clear: to fill the late night slot with identity-driven content that aims to break clichés. However, a current of opinion holds that the public broadcaster should not fund programmes with such a marked cultural agenda. «The worst of it, paid for with our money», sums up one of the most repeated comments on social media, while others mock the scope of «free of stereotypes». The debate heats up when recent events that, according to critics, the production will avoid addressing are mentioned.

The tension between representation and reality

Against those who argue that Romani culture needs visibility without the traditional clichés, detractors contend that the show offers a sugar-coated image and that, being funded by public money, it should be more even-handed. There are no official figures on audience or cost, but the controversy has already achieved what no marketing campaign could: everyone is talking about 'Gloria Bendita'. The question is whether the debate will lead to greater mutual understanding or more bitterness.