Michael Barrymore's video used in anti-tourism protests

Michael Barrymore has become an unexpected figure in ongoing anti-tourism protests in Spain. Activists recently took a video he posted in Barcelona and added an overlay that said “Expats go home.” This follows Barrymore's announcement that he would not be moving to the city due to feeling homesick. Barrymore had originally shared a light-hearted video showing him at the Sagrada Familia, where he jokingly ignored the view. His post highlighted the growing resentment locals feel toward tourists, a feeling that seems to be escalating as summer approaches. In 2024, Spain welcomed nearly 22 million foreign visitors, intensifying worries about overcrowding and rising rents. Protest groups have been vocal about the issues they face, claiming government inaction is contributing to a crisis. Recently, protesters in Mallorca expressed their frustration, stating that locals are becoming less hospitable due to tourists ruining their home. They declared that their island is no longer the paradise it used to be. Some protests have taken a more aggressive turn, with graffiti saying “kill a tourist” appearing in various locations. Activists have clashed with local residents' needs, pointing to issues like housing shortages and low wages as major concerns linked to tourism. In Ibiza, popular tourist spots are now being restricted from access. Protesters have blocked off areas that once welcomed many visitors, reflecting the anger felt by locals over the impact of mass tourism. Overall, there is a growing movement across Spain pushing back against tourism, as locals advocate for a fairer balance between visitors and the needs of residents.