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Neighborhood Groups Resist Barcelona’s Mercury–Caballé Statue Over Tax-Fraud Past

Caballé’s family, which had earlier accepted the tribute, now dismisses the tax case as a mere anecdote.

Overview

  • The city has proposed installing a joint outdoor sculpture of Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé in the Glòries area, with the artwork yet to be designed.
  • Neighborhood associations from Fort Pienc, El Clot, Poblenou and Sagrada Família oppose honoring Caballé, citing her conviction for tax fraud and residence abroad.
  • The groups say they do not object to Mercury’s inclusion but argue Caballé is not an example for public commemoration.
  • Caballé’s niece says the family agreed to the municipal proposal about two years ago and remains supportive, calling the fraud issue secondary to her legacy.
  • The plan follows earlier steps to recognize the duo, including a 2018 push for street names and a 2023 approval of a viewpoint at Glòries, as alternative sites and honorees are floated and the project remains unresolved.