Spanish TV host Jesús Cintora sparks walkout as panelist Marta Gómez Montero leaves set in tears over 'humiliation'
During a debate on Alberto Núñez Feijóo's remarks about absenteeism, Gómez Montero refused to answer, burst into tears, and declared she preferred 'to eat shit' before walking off the set of La 2's 'Malas Lenguas Noche'.
The live broadcast of La 2's 'Malas Lenguas Noche' on Saturday 11 July 2026 ended in chaos when panelist Marta Gómez Montero walked off the set in tears, accusing host Jesús Cintora of systematic humiliation.
The debate turns personal
The confrontation had been simmering under the surface of a regular political debate. The panel was discussing comments made by Partido Popular leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who had tried to clarify earlier remarks by limiting his criticism to 'fraudulent workplace absenteeism' rather than all sick leave. Gómez Montero, a regular contributor, was defending Feijóo's correction with what the article described as 'almost numantian vehemence', telling fellow panelist Luis Arroyo 'Let me finish'. For her, the distinction was important: Feijóo was no longer confusing sick leave with cancer but was targeting 'deadbeats'.
But Cintora was not interested in nuance. He pivoted to what the article called 'the most thorny concept' of Feijóo's address: the description of Spain as a 'subsidised country'. 'Do we have a subsidised country? I ask you,' he said, knowing the question was a dart aimed at the defender's trench. Gómez Montero was already visibly tense, her voice trembling as she underlined her notes with nervous energy.
'No me vas a humillar más'
When the program aired the controversial video of Feijóo, the temperature rose further. Then, when Cintora gave her the floor again, Gómez Montero refused. 'I'm not going to answer, Jesús. You are not going to humiliate me again. I feel absolutely humiliated,' she began, her voice breaking. She explained that she had endured the situation for a long time for her children and to pay her bills, but could no longer.
No me vas a volver a humillar. Me siento absolutamente humillada.
Crying, she then drew on literature: 'There is a magnificent book called "El coronel no tiene quien le escriba", in which the wife asks the protagonist what they will eat and he replies: "Mierda". Well, Cintora, I prefer to eat mierda.' She gathered her papers, rose, and left the set trembling as she removed her microphone.
- Gómez Montero defends Feijóo's nuanced remarks on fraudulent absenteeism against panelist Luis Arroyo.
- Host insists on the controversial phrase and refuses to grant a break from the combative tone.
- Gómez Montero's voice trembles; she nervously underlines her papers.
- Program airs the contentious Feijóo video, heightening the atmosphere in the studio.
- When given the floor, she declines to answer and accuses Cintora of humiliating her.
- Crying, she quotes 'El coronel no tiene quien le escriba' and says, 'I prefer to eat mierda.'
- Removes microphone and leaves the studio trembling.
- Five seconds of silence before Cintora reacts with 'But what's wrong, Marta?'
- Says 'Nobody here is humiliated.' and attempts to continue the programme.
- Fellow panelist Esther Palomera says the moment left everyone with a very bad feeling.
Studio in shock
The set fell silent for five long seconds. Cintora eventually managed: 'But what's wrong, Marta?'. Then, addressing the audience, he said, 'Well, Marta Gómez Montero has decided to leave. She will know. Nobody here is humiliated.' Fellow panelist Esther Palomera, still in shock, expressed what many in the studio felt.
Nos ha dejado a todos con muy mal cuerpo. No es plato de gusto para ninguno de los que estamos aquí.
Palomera attempted to resume the debate, keeping an eye for several minutes on the access area of Studio 4 in Prado del Rey, Madrid, where Gómez Montero had headed to leave for home. The incident left the rest of the programme adrift, its usual combative rhythm shattered by a moment of raw emotion.
