The Global Story The World Cup kiss that's gripping Spain
Feb 10, 2025
Sergi Forcada Freixas, a BBC journalist from Madrid, and Sofia Bettiza, the BBC's gender and identity correspondent, discuss the explosive fallout from Luis Rubiales' controversial kiss at the Women's World Cup. This incident has overshadowed Spain’s victory and sparked a national dialogue on consent and sexism. Bettiza connects the case to Spain's ongoing cultural evolution from patriarchal norms to gender equality, significantly influenced by prior events like the La Manada case, highlighting a vital shift in public perception and legal frameworks regarding sexual assault.
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The Kiss
- Spain's women's football team won the World Cup.
- Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony.
Initial Reactions in Madrid
- Sergi Forcada Freixas was in Madrid reporting on the World Cup win.
- Initial reactions focused on the historic victory before the kiss controversy emerged.
Hermoso's Changing Account
- Jenni Hermoso initially downplayed the kiss, saying she didn't like it but it was part of the celebration.
- Later, in court, she testified that the kiss was non-consensual and tainted her happiest day.