Disgraced ex-king Juan Carlos sparks controversy after standing ovation at Seville bullfight

Spain’s former monarch Juan Carlos I has once again divided opinion after receiving a standing ovation at a packed bullring in Seville, despite years of scandal and self-imposed exile.

The emeritus king, who has been living in Abu Dhabi since 2019, made a rare return to Spain over the Easter weekend to attend one of the country’s most high-profile bullfighting events. His appearance drew loud cheers and chants from sections of the crowd, reigniting debate about his legacy and whether he should return to live in Spain permanently.

Warm welcome in Seville despite past scandals

The 87-year-old attended the traditional Easter Sunday corrida at Seville’s iconic bullring, where spectators rose to applaud as he entered. The event marked his first visit to Spain in several months and coincided with the opening of the city’s bullfighting season.

Footage from the arena shows crowds clapping and shouting “Viva el Rey” as the former monarch took his seat, an extraordinary reception for a figure whose reputation has been heavily tarnished in recent years.

Earlier in the day, Juan Carlos was seen dining with family members, including his daughter Infanta Elena and his grandchildren, before heading to the arena.

A divisive figure returns to the spotlight

Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 after nearly four decades on the throne, but his later years have been overshadowed by financial scandals and investigations into alleged corruption. Although legal cases against him in Spain were eventually dropped, controversy continues to follow his public appearances.

His return to Seville has once again exposed the deep divide in Spanish public opinion. While supporters still credit him with helping to steer Spain to democracy after the Franco era, critics argue that his past conduct should disqualify him from any form of public celebration.

The visit has also reignited political debate about whether the former king should be allowed to resettle in Spain. Reports suggest he is keen to return permanently, but negotiations remain complicated due to concerns about the monarchy’s image and his living arrangements.

Bullfighting backdrop fuels further debate

The setting of the welcome, Seville’s historic bullring, has added another layer of controversy. Bullfighting remains one of Spain’s most polarising traditions, with declining national support and growing opposition, particularly among younger generations.

Despite this, major events like the Easter corrida continue to attract large crowds, blending spectacle, tradition and celebrity appearances. Juan Carlos has long been associated with the practice and has frequently attended bullfights throughout his life.

On this occasion, his presence coincided with a high-profile lineup of matadors, drawing heightened attention both inside and outside the arena.

His role in modern Spain

While the welcome in Seville suggests the former king still commands loyalty among certain groups, it also highlights the ongoing tension surrounding his role in modern Spain.

His appearances are likely to remain carefully managed, particularly as King Felipe VI continues efforts to distance the current monarchy from past controversies.

For now, Juan Carlos remains a figure capable of drawing both applause and criticism in equal measure, something that was on full display in Seville this weekend.