Influencer Criticized for Staging Mud-Covered "Live Report" in Flood-Stricken Valencia

[Social Media]

 

Spanish influencer and lawyer Ruben Gisbert has drawn sharp criticism for deliberately covering himself in mud before filming a news segment about recent floods in Valencia. Filming for the Spanish news program *Horizonte*, hosted by journalist Iker Jiménez, Gisbert was seen kneeling down and smearing mud on his legs before delivering what he claimed was a "report from the scene."

Drop the Dead Donkey Valencia floods edition: alt-right influencer @gisbert_ruben decides he is not muddy enough for TV appearance, so looks around to check no one is there and then KNEELS IN THE MUD to look dirtier. Local filmed it on phone.
pic.twitter.com/aSaZ0FbTqu

— Matthew Bennett (@matthewbennett) November 4, 2024

 

A bystander captured Gisbert’s actions from a nearby building, recording him as he coated his legs in dirt prior to going live on camera. This behind-the-scenes footage quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread ridicule and criticism.

 

Valencia has been grappling with a catastrophic flash flood, one of the worst in its recorded history, which brought a year's worth of rainfall within a span of eight hours. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least 217 people, with many still missing. The scenes of devastation have commanded extensive media coverage, and *Horizonte* was on site to cover the ongoing recovery and impact on the region. Gisbert's mud-smearing, intended to add an element of dramatic realism, instead struck many as insensitive and inauthentic given the somber context.

 

Gisbert defended his actions on social media, explaining that he wanted to "ensure continuity" in his appearance so it would match an earlier shot. He acknowledged his misjudgment, admitting, "I'm not a reporter and I'm not used to making live connections." He later called the act a "stupid mistake."

Jiménez, who had not been involved in instructing Gisbert to add such dramatic flair, expressed his disappointment with the influencer's conduct. In a video statement, he noted, "I cannot count on him; he has failed me. I was shocked when they sent him to me." Jiménez added that the actions were unauthorized and never part of the reporting plan, emphasizing that the program had no intention of "dramatizing something."

 

The broadcaster behind *Horizonte* confirmed that Gisbert would no longer contribute to the program, stating that his actions were "despicable" and had disrespected the gravity of the situation. The incident has reignited debate over the role of social media influencers in serious journalism, particularly as they are increasingly used in televised reports and coverage.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-07

 

 

 

[Watawattana]

Pathetic.