Marc Giró Confronts Pablo Motos on ‘El Hormiguero’ Over Political Bias
Marc Giró’s debut as a guest on Antena 3’s El Hormiguero on March 5th wasn’t a typical promotional appearance. Instead, the Spanish television personality and soon-to-be host of laSexta’s Cara al show used his time on Pablo Motos’s long-running program to directly address, and seemingly challenge, Motos’s approach to interviewing political figures, specifically Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The resulting segment, described by AS as “the most uncomfortable show” for Motos, quickly became a talking point in Spanish media.
A Direct Challenge to Motos’s Interview Style
From the moment he sat down, Giró steered the conversation toward what he perceived as a disparity in Motos’s questioning of Sánchez versus his treatment of figures on the right. “Sometimes you tread particularly carefully with Pedro Sánchez and very little carefully with the far-right,” Giró stated, as reported by elDiario.es. He punctuated this observation with a pointed, “I’ve come to defend Pedro Sánchez!” This wasn’t a subtle request for a specific line of questioning; it was a direct critique of the program’s perceived bias.
The exchange, as detailed in Marca, unfolded with Giró dominating the conversation, leaving Motos with limited opportunity to interject. The dynamic was described as less an interview and more a “monologue,” with Giró freely ranging across topics from anal sex to seeking employment for journalist Laura Fa.
From RTVE to Atresmedia: Giró’s Career Trajectory
Marc Giró’s arrival at El Hormiguero marks a significant moment in his career transition. He recently left RTVE, the Spanish public broadcaster, and has joined Atresmedia, a major private media group. His new program, Cara al show, is slated to air on laSexta, another Atresmedia-owned channel. He previously hosted Late Xou on La 1 (RTVE’s flagship channel).
Giró’s move to Atresmedia hasn’t been without scrutiny, with some fans reportedly critical of his decision, as alluded to during the interview. He described the onboarding process at Atresmedia as an immersive experience, playfully comparing it to “a sauna” and an “after party.”
Why This Matters: Political Commentary on Late-Night TV
The incident highlights a growing trend of political commentary infiltrating late-night entertainment programs. El Hormiguero, while primarily a comedy and entertainment show, often features interviews with prominent figures, including politicians. Giró’s intervention raises questions about the responsibility of these platforms to maintain impartiality and the potential for guests to employ them as a platform for their own political agendas. The willingness of a guest to directly challenge the host’s approach is unusual and signals a potential shift in the dynamic between interviewers and interviewees.
Beyond Politics: A Wide-Ranging Appearance
While the confrontation regarding Pedro Sánchez dominated headlines, Giró’s appearance wasn’t solely focused on politics. He similarly touched upon other topics, including criticism of comedians Los Morancos for their jokes about Jorge Javier Vázquez, and offered his opinion on the state of Spanish television. He even referenced a previous encounter with Motos, playfully suggesting that Motos was beginning to curb certain types of humor.
What’s Next for Marc Giró and El Hormiguero?
Giró is preparing for the launch of Cara al show on laSexta. The program’s format and specific content remain largely undisclosed, but it’s expected to showcase Giró’s signature style of direct and often provocative commentary. As for El Hormiguero, it’s likely Pablo Motos will address the incident in a future episode, though the extent to which he will engage with Giró’s criticisms remains to be seen. The program continues its regular schedule, with a mix of celebrity interviews, scientific demonstrations, and comedic segments. The long-term impact of this exchange on the show’s reputation and its approach to political interviews will unfold in the coming weeks.