Spain apologizes over offensive TV sign

Spain has been forced to apologize to China after an offensive TV scene has sparked outrage.

Last week, television programme ‘Aida’ was broadcast on Telecinco.

The comedy show featured a character, Mauricio Colmenero, who is the resident racist bar owner.

In the episode Colmenero is annoyed that a Chinese person has opened a shop nearby. He puts graffiti on the “No dogs” sign in Bar Reinols, making it read “No dogs or Chinese”.

China failed to see the humorous side and demanded an apology from Spain after the satirical show’s skit.

Spain’s ambassador to China, Manuel Valencia, had to apologise to Beijing following the humiliation.

Valencia apologised “profoundly for any offence given to the Chinese community”.

He added: “The opinions voiced by this fictional character in no way represent the feeling of Spanish society.”

A statement from the ambassador’s office added that in Spain, Chinese citizens are “valued, respected and loved for their contribution to the community”.

This is not the first time that Spain has had to say sorry to China.

Back in 2008, just days before the Olympic Games opened in Beijing, the Spanish basketball team landed in hot water for making “slit-eyed” gestures in a publicity campaign.