Catalonia’s public media corporation has defended its decision to broadcast a figure skating gala featuring an AI-generated Antoni Gaudí speaking Spanish. The broadcaster states it had no artistic control over the event’s content.
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The controversy stems from the show ‘Trencadís: De la Natura a la Llum’ (Trencadís: From Nature to Light), held on 3 January at the Pavelló Olímpic in Reus. Co-organised by the Reus City Council and the Royal Spanish Skating Federation, the event was broadcast on the CCMA’s 3Cat platform. It aimed to launch the official ‘Any Gaudí’ (Gaudí Year) celebrations, marking the centenary of the architect’s death in 2026.
A Question of Language
The digital Gaudí’s use of Spanish immediately sparked criticism. This was because the real Antoni Gaudí, a proud native of Reus, was a fervent defender of the Catalan language. Historical accounts note Gaudí was once briefly imprisoned for refusing to speak Spanish to a police officer. This anecdote deeply highlights the irony for many viewers.
The backlash, which reportedly reached the Catalan Parliament, prompted Rosa Romà, president of the Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals (CCMA), to distance the broadcaster from the linguistic choice. In a statement first reported by Diari Catalunya, Romà clarified the broadcaster’s role.
“The artistic creation and development of the gala, as well as its content, was the responsibility of the personnel designated by the Skating Federation, without any intervention from 3Cat,” Romà stated.
Separately, event organisers justified the Spanish usage as a practical measure. They stated it would facilitate the show’s planned tour to other Spanish regions and aid the “national and international diffusion” of Gaudí’s centenary. However, critics argue that presenting a fierce advocate for Catalan culture speaking Spanish misrepresents his legacy, especially when the event is designed to honour him.
Cultural Identity and Public Media
The CCMA’s mandate includes promoting and protecting the Catalan language. This mission has established it as a central pillar of the region’s cultural landscape. For instance, initiatives like its recent Via 15 project to unite local TV stations underscore this commitment to regional content.
This latest linguistic dispute follows several recent headlines, including public debates over removing Catalan from highway signs and the controversial English-only slogan on the Barcelona Marathon T-shirt. Each instance has, furthermore, reignited discussions about the visibility and status of the Catalan language in public life.
As Barcelona and the wider region prepare for the Gaudí Year in 2026, the architect’s work is receiving renewed attention. Landmarks across the city are preparing for the anniversary. Projects range from the ambitious new art experience at Casa Batlló to the meticulous restoration of Gaudí’s original water system at Park Güell. Many believe ensuring the architect’s cultural and linguistic identity is accurately represented is as important as preserving his physical creations.
Although the CCMA has clarified its position, the AI Gaudí controversy serves as a stark reminder of the delicate cultural balance involved when celebrating a figure so intrinsically linked to Catalan identity.
