Angel Gaitán Faces Backlash Over Aid Distribution Controversy
Angel Gaitán, the popular mechanic and collaborator on Iker Jiménez's programs, has recently come under intense scrutiny for his remarks made from Valencia regarding aid distribution following the DANA disaster. In a video, Gaitán stated, "We need to decide on two towns among those I’m mentioning for the convoy of about 20 vans: Paiporta, Benetúser, Alfafar, Masanasa, or Catarroja. So please, by comments, the two towns that have the most likes will be the towns we go to." This comment has sparked outrage, as many view it as an inappropriate way to determine where aid should be directed.
Critics have voiced their disapproval across social media. Rubén Sánchez from Facua expressed disbelief at Gaitán's approach, questioning, "Do you want us to help the areas most devastated by the DANA? We will do it with the one that gets the most likes. It is hard to describe how indecent Ángel Gaitán's actions are." Antonio Maestre, another journalist and collaborator on Jiménez's program, added to the criticism, mentioning, "Yesterday he said that those who help altruistically do not seek publicity or make videos, but I never would have thought there would be a raffle to distribute aid among the affected towns based on who gets the most likes. They are moral carrion." Meanwhile, presenter Iñaki López described the situation as a "grand prix of affected towns with aid as the prize," expressing his confusion and disappointment.
In an effort to clarify his position, Gaitán later posted a follow-up video in which he revealed that he had received a call from tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, who offered his support. Gaitán described Alcaraz as a "really nice guy" whose gesture had energized the team. He reassured his followers that they had hot food prepared for daily distribution and acknowledged that rumors about him had begun circulating online, although he claimed to be unaware of the extent of the backlash at the time.
Gaitán stated, "There are starting to be a lot of rumors about me because I haven’t been aware of the fuss on social media, but it seems to be too much. You know that here as soon as someone tries to lift their head, they try to cut it off. Don’t believe it. Trust me if I do something wrong or something happens, I’ll be the first to say it here."
He concluded with a call for unity, stating, "We all need to be very strong and united now because they will try to divide us; that is what is always done." This latest incident raises critical questions about the ethics of aid distribution and the balance between social media engagement and genuine altruism. As discussions continue online, it remains to be seen how Gaitán will address the ongoing criticism and whether he can rebuild trust among those he aimed to help.
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