Begoña Gomez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has filed an assault complaint after far-right influencer Vito Quiles confronted her in a Madrid café and followed her into the street. A selfie video posted on X shows two women intervening as Gomez left in a taxi. The incident drew condemnation across parties, though a PP spokesperson said Quiles was "also a victim." The episode occurs amid separate corruption probes tied to Gomez and recent courtroom testimony alleging kickbacks to Sánchez's Socialist party.
Spain PM's Wife Files Assault Complaint After Viral Confrontation With Far-Right Influencer
Begona Gomez, wife of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, leaves Rome's ancient Colosseum, in Rome, Italy, October 30, 2021. REUTERS/Flavio Lo Scalzo
Begoña Gomez, the wife of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, filed an assault complaint on April 30 after a confrontation in a Madrid café with far-right campaigner and social media influencer Vito Quiles, Reuters reports. A selfie video posted on X shows Quiles approaching Gomez inside the café and following her onto the street, where two women intervened and kept him away as she boarded a taxi.
Incident Details
The video clip, posted by Quiles, documents the encounter and has circulated widely on social media. Quiles did not immediately respond to requests for comment on X. Government figures across the political spectrum condemned Quiles' behavior, though Ester Muñoz, a spokesperson for the conservative People's Party (PP), said Quiles was "also a victim" because he was physically prevented from approaching Gomez and suggested journalists might have a right to ask questions.
Legal Context
Gomez is under investigation over allegations that she used her position as the prime minister's wife to obtain work contracts; she denies any wrongdoing. A Spanish prosecutor this month asked the investigating judge to close the probe that was initiated by far-right groups.
Wider Political Fallout
The episode comes amid other legal challenges surrounding Prime Minister Sánchez. This week, witnesses testified in a corruption case involving former transport minister José Luis Ábalos. Witness Víctor Aldama told the court that Sánchez had been aware of kickback payments to the Socialist party (PSOE). PSOE called Aldama's testimony false and said it would pursue the matter before the Supreme Court.
What Happens Next: Gomez's complaint will be examined by authorities, who will determine whether the confrontation meets the legal threshold for assault and what, if any, charges will follow.
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