5 Nov, 2024 @ 19:30
2 mins read

WATCH: Spanish TV presenter caught ‘covering himself in mud’ moments before reporting on camera from flood-struck Valencia

A SPANISH lawyer and influencer was caught on camera deliberately covering himself in mud before delivering a news segment on the Valencia floods.

Rubert Gisbert, who was reporting for the national TV program Horizonte, was filmed by a bystander kneeling down in the mud before returning to camera, apparently in an attempt to make himself appear more immersed in the disaster.

The stunt drew a stinging rebuke from the show’s own host, Iker Jimenez, who branding Gisbert’s actions ‘stupid’ and claimed he had ‘failed’ the production.

READ MORE: Spanish army searches for bodies in Valencia shopping centre car park after it was filled with 200 million litres of water during deadly floods

“I have never forced anyone to cover themselves in mud to dramatise something…I don’t understand why there was a need to exaggerate in the midst of all this drama,” a visibly frustrated Jimenez said in a video addressing the incident.

He added that Gisbert will no longer be working on the show. 

In his defence, Gisbert – who describes himself as a ‘practising lawyer and freedom revolutionary’ – apologised and claimed the mud stunt was simply for ‘continuity’ purposes, as he had already been filmed wading through flooded garages earlier.

READ MORE: Political fallout from Spain’s flood disaster: Valencia president is told to resign by opposition leaders as they demand he is ‘put on trial’ for ‘mishandling crisis’


The bridge running over the ravine that leads to Paiporta, ground zero for loss of life in the Valencian floods

“Did I do it for you to see mud on my knees despite the fact I’ve spent seven days covered in mud? Yes, that’s why I did it,” Gisbert said in a video posted to social media.

However, this explanation has done little to quell the backlash, with many viewers and commentators slamming the move as ‘shameless’ and lacking in ‘respect and empathy’ for the flood victims.

“It is a shame…he has manipulated reality,” said Spanish presenter Maria Patino.

READ MORE: WATCH: Ghostly footage from the underground car park in Spain’s Valencia where it was feared dozens of bodies could be found

The backlash against Gisbert comes amid heartbreaking reports of devastation in eastern Spain. 

At least 217 people have lost their lives, and thousands of cars and homes have been swept away. 

A week later and just a little further north, local authorities in Catalonia are warning residents of ongoing ‘continuous and torrential’ rains and urging them to stay indoors and avoid flooded areas.

Walter Finch

Walter Finch, who comes from a background in video and photography, is keen on reporting on and investigating organised crime, corruption and abuse of power. He is fascinated by the nexus between politics, business and law-breaking, as well as other wider trends that affect society.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break in the business working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.
He took up up a reporter role with the Olive Press Newspaper and today he is based in La Linea de la Concepcion at the heart of a global chokepoint and crucial maritime hub, where he edits the Olive Press Gibraltar edition.
He is also the deputy news editor across all editions of the newspaper.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Valencia flood disaster death toll rises to 221 with seven people still reported missing
Previous Story

Valencia local water authority denies it ‘deleted data to hide it knew a disaster was imminent’: Torrent in Spain’s worst natural disaster for a century was ‘so powerful it swept sensor away’ 

Tap water warning in Spain: Supplies are 'not fit for human consumption' in these areas on the Costa Blanca
Next Story

Die jüngsten tödlichen Überschwemmungen, die Málaga heimgesucht haben, haben die Wasserkrise in der Region etwas entschärft.

Latest from Lead

Go toTop

More From The Olive Press

4 bedroom Townhouse for sale in Ronda - € 245

4 bedroom Townhouse for sale in Ronda – € 245,000

Townhouse Ronda, Málaga   4 beds   3 baths €
3 bedroom Villa for sale in Badalona - € 429

3 bedroom Villa for sale in Badalona – € 429,000

Villa Badalona, Barcelona   3 beds   2 baths €