New edition of MasterChef has already sparked conversations, even though it has not hit shelves yet. The show’s forthcoming season is fueling discussion during a typically busy television window on TVE’s La 1, as insiders and fans speculate about what the upcoming episodes will reveal. The cooking competition has become a focal point of heated debate after the Malaga City Council confirmed that parts of the format were recorded at a fraternity home linked to Paloma and Estudiantes.
In particular, the public network’s program drew sharp criticism from members and followers of these fraternities after footage circulated. A photo showing judges Pepe Rodríguez, Samantha Vallejo-Nágera, and Jordi Cruz beside one of the Holy Week steps in Malaga, captured during a segment of the program, prompted immediate reactions. The image prompted discussions about whether such locations were appropriate backdrops for national television, given the city’s rich cultural and religious traditions.
When the post circulated on Twitter, a user known as BombardinoDeBm commented that Malaga has long been treated as a stage for various spectacles, remarking that it was a pity to see this turn in the narrative. The comment reflected a broader sense of discomfort among some residents who feel that certain spaces in the city should be reserved for local life rather than televised events that travel far beyond the community. This sentiment illustrates the tension between entertainment production and respect for local customs and properties that hold significance for residents.
José Carlos Garín, president of the Malaga Brothers Association, chose not to offer verdicts on the matter while the discussion was still developing. He stated that speaking from ignorance would not be appropriate since he did not belong to the organization in question, nor did he oversee its actions or its collaborations with the program. Garín emphasized that he did not want to weigh in on the contract process because it involved matters between the fraternities and the production team, and he preferred to avoid interjecting opinions without a complete understanding of the circumstances.
Garín acknowledged that there would be diverse viewpoints on the decision to film within the fraternity setting. Some people might feel positive about the exposure, while others could view it as misaligned with local customs or sensitive to the historic character of certain spaces. The president’s careful stance underscored the importance of respecting established boundaries and the autonomy of the groups involved, rather than letting external voices drive the narrative without full context.
Beyond the fraternity circle, reactions extended into the political arena in Malaga. The municipal group Con Málaga submitted a formal inquiry to the City Council, requesting detailed information about any costs associated with the recording of the MasterChef segment and how those expenses were allocated within the municipal budget. The inquiry reflected a broader public interest in transparency regarding how cultural events and media productions intersect with public resources and city planning. Such questions highlight the ongoing scrutiny that local governments face when major productions touch sensitive landmarks or community spaces, prompting discussions about fiscal responsibility and accountability.