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The victory of Chanel Terrero at the Benidorm Fest, the Spanish selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, should have been a moment of national celebration. Instead, it unleashed a torrent of online abuse so virulent that it forced the talented singer to retreat from Twitter, leaving a stain on the reputation of the Spanish Eurovision fandom and highlighting the darker aspects of social media culture. The controversy, fueled by partisan politics, differing musical tastes, and the anonymity offered by the internet, underscores the vulnerability of artists in the digital age and the urgent need for a more responsible and compassionate online environment. This article delves into the specifics of the attacks leveled against Chanel, the underlying causes of the backlash, the response from various stakeholders, and the broader implications of this unfortunate episode.

The Spark: Benidorm Fest and the Seeds of Discord

The Benidorm Fest was conceived as a revitalized and transparent selection process aimed at reigniting Spain's passion for Eurovision. However, from the outset, the competition was plagued by controversy. The three-day event, held in Benidorm in January 2022, featured a diverse range of artists vying for the coveted spot to represent Spain in Turin. While all the contestants possessed undeniable talent, Chanel's performance of "SloMo" stood out for its undeniable stage presence, slick choreography, and catchy beat.

However, the jury's decision to award Chanel the victory over other popular contenders, notably Rigoberta Bandini with her emotionally resonant song "Ay Mamá" and Tanxugueiras with their Galician folk anthem "Terra," ignited a firestorm of debate. The jury's composition, which included industry professionals and Eurovision experts, came under intense scrutiny. Accusations of bias and favoritism were rampant, with some critics suggesting that the jury was unduly influenced by external pressures or personal preferences.

The voting system itself also became a target of criticism. The jury vote accounted for 50% of the final score, while the public vote was split between televoting (25%) and a demoscopic jury (25%). This weighting meant that even though Rigoberta Bandini and Tanxugueiras garnered significant support from the public, their scores were ultimately overshadowed by the jury's preference for Chanel.ataques a chanel

The controversy was further exacerbated by the perceived stylistic departure of "SloMo" from traditional Spanish Eurovision entries. Some argued that the song, with its Latin-infused pop and urban influences, was too similar to Jennifer Lopez or Shakira and lacked the distinctively Spanish flair that had characterized previous entries. This argument often carried undertones of cultural elitism and a resistance to embracing contemporary musical trends.

The Inferno: Online Abuse and the Deletion of Chanel's Twitter Account

The immediate aftermath of Chanel's victory was characterized by a relentless barrage of online abuse directed at the singer. Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, became breeding grounds for hateful comments, personal insults, and even death threats. The anonymity offered by the internet emboldened individuals to express their outrage in the most vile and offensive terms.

Chanel was subjected to a relentless stream of criticism regarding her talent, her appearance, and her background. Some users questioned her Spanish identity, suggesting that her Cuban heritage made her an unsuitable representative for Spain. Others attacked her dancing skills and vocal abilities, dismissing her performance as shallow and derivative.

The attacks went beyond mere criticism and quickly devolved into personal insults and threats. Chanel was bombarded with hateful messages, many of which contained sexually explicit language and violent imagery. The sheer volume and intensity of the abuse were overwhelming, creating a hostile and toxic online environment.

Faced with this onslaught of negativity, Chanel made the difficult decision to delete her Twitter account. This act of self-preservation was a stark reminder of the devastating impact that online abuse can have on individuals, particularly those in the public eye. It also highlighted the limitations of social media platforms in effectively combating online harassment and protecting their users from harm.

María Eizaguirre's Perspective: Defending Chanel and Condemning the Attacks

María Eizaguirre, the director of Communication and Participation for RTVE (the Spanish national broadcaster), played a crucial role in defending Chanel against the online attacks. Eizaguirre publicly condemned the abuse, emphasizing that it was unacceptable and that RTVE stood firmly behind Chanel.

Eizaguirre acknowledged the validity of differing opinions regarding the outcome of the Benidorm Fest but stressed that these opinions should be expressed respectfully and constructively. She vehemently denounced the personal attacks and threats directed at Chanel, emphasizing that such behavior was not only harmful but also illegal.

Eizaguirre also highlighted the importance of protecting artists from online harassment and creating a safer and more supportive online environment. She called on social media platforms to take greater responsibility for moderating content and preventing the spread of hate speech.

Chanel's Perspective: Speaking Out Against the Hate

Despite the trauma she experienced, Chanel demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage by speaking out against the online abuse. In an interview on the popular Spanish television program "El Hormiguero," Chanel shared her experiences with the online harassment and emphasized the importance of addressing this issue.

Chanel acknowledged that the attacks had taken a toll on her mental health but expressed her determination not to be silenced by the negativity. She emphasized that she was proud of her performance and grateful for the support she had received from her fans.

Chanel also used her platform to advocate for greater awareness of online abuse and the need for more effective measures to combat it. She urged social media users to be more mindful of their online behavior and to report instances of harassment and hate speech.