Comedian Carolina Iglesias, co-founder and host of the popular feminist podcast Stretch the Gum, finally spoke out after a period of silence to address the wave of reactions. Her message arrived in the context of a controversy sparked by inviting Patricia Sornosa, a humorist whose rhetoric has drawn accusations of transphobia. Iglesias and her fellow host, Victoria Martín, chose to respond publicly, acknowledging the concerns raised by listeners and the broader community while explaining the audience’s strong reactions to the episode in question.
The latest episode of Stretch the Gum featured Sornosa because she shares a podcast with one of her regular contributors, Patricia Espejo. The Summer Edition centers on inviting collaborators of collaborators, a format the show has used to introduce new voices and viewpoints. This approach, however, unsettled many followers who have long supported a platform that champions diverse, plural, and inclusive feminism. The response reflected a tension between inviting provocative perspectives and safeguarding a respectful conversation in line with the show’s stated values.
In the days that followed, Iglesias and Martín faced a harsh backlash that included online harassment and threats. The intensity of the reaction led both hosts to step back from social media for a time as part of their efforts to assess what happened and how best to proceed. Critics and supporters alike weighed in on whether the presence of Sornosa aligned with the show’s mission to foster inclusive dialogue or whether it compromised the commitments the hosts have publicly embraced. Through it all, the hosts remained focused on their core intent: to engage with a range of voices while maintaining a safe, welcoming space for listeners who care about equity and dignity for all communities.
In response to the situation, Iglesias issued a statement on her Instagram profile explaining the personal and professional impact of the events. She reflected on the fear and pressure that can come with guidance and leadership in public-facing projects, admitting that silence had not been easy to justify. The message conveyed that a sincere apology was owed to listeners who felt let down, to members of the LGTBIQ+ community who perceived a shortcoming in the hosts’ handling of the episode, and to supporters who stood by them during the crisis. She also expressed gratitude toward those who offered solidarity through challenging weeks, emphasizing that accountability is a continual process rather than a one-time act.
Support for Iglesias and Martín came from several fellow comedians and feminist and LGTBIQ+ advocates who have previously stood in solidarity with them. Public encouragement from performers such as Henar Álvarez, Lala Chus, Moderna de Pueblo, Zahara, Ger, and Mara Jiménez underscored the ongoing commitment across the community to respectful discourse and inclusive values. Their messages reinforced the sense that leadership in media projects carries responsibility for how ideas are presented and how audiences are treated, especially when controversial figures are involved in dialogue that shapes public perception.
Two live sessions of Stretch the Gum were staged as part of the response to the turbulence. The theater events at the Theater-Paraninfo, scheduled for 18:00 and 21:00, represented a public continuation of the discussion, offering a space for dialogue in a controlled setting. The tour’s Canary Islands stop on September 17, organized with the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, drew considerable attention and sold out quickly, reflecting strong audience interest in hearing from the hosts directly and witnessing how they navigate complex conversations on stage. The experience highlighted the show’s ongoing appeal and its role as a platform where feminist perspectives and diverse voices can be examined in real time, with accountability and openness at the forefront.