A television screen remains a powerful platform, and its use must always steer clear of hate speech or abusive remarks toward anyone. This responsibility grows even more critical when addressing vulnerable groups, a standard that was called into question this week on a Mediaset program.
Journalist Cervilla Pigeon, a familiar face on TVE, Canal Sur, and Mediaset, drew criticism for statements that many found homophobic during Cuatro’s lunchtime program En boca de todos, hosted by Diego Losada. The moment highlighted a broader problem on air: the danger of legitimizing prejudice in a live setting.
The exchange followed a heated debate in which participants discussed whether Father’s Day should be celebrated in schools, with concerns raised about children who do not have a traditional family structure. Cervilla seized on the topic to push a provocative line, suggesting that family means “father, mother, and children” and adding that he personally holds a clear stance on the matter. His remarks included an assertion that it hurts him deeply when a child has two parents, a sentiment that many viewers found dismissive of non-traditional family arrangements.
As the discussion continued, the speaker stated that he respects the existence of homosexuals who want to adopt, but he maintained a firm stance against it. The host, Diego Losada, expressed disbelief on live television and prompted the other guests to respond, turning a moment of disagreement into a broader conversation about acceptance and the boundaries of televised discourse.
Reaction to the unfolding incident was swift and varied. Some viewers called for Cervilla to be removed from television, while others, including prominent figures in the arts, joined the chorus calling for accountability. The singer Pablo Alborán joined the dialogue, remarking that education in respect and diversity should prevail and that public figures should condemn messages that demean or belittle others. His message underscored a commitment to healthier, more inclusive dialogue on popular programs.
In such moments, commentators and audiences alike argue for a higher standard of on-air conduct, emphasizing that media platforms must model respectful discourse and avoid amplifying intolerance. The episode serves as a reminder that live media can shape attitudes and that responsible broadcasting is essential to protect viewers, especially younger audiences, from exposure to harmful stereotypes. It also illustrates the ongoing tension between free expression and the obligations of public conversation in a multicultural society, where dignity and equal treatment should be foundational principles for all programming. (Source: contemporary media coverage)