Valencia CF Takes Legal Action Against Netflix
VALENCIA, SPAIN — In a significant development, Valencia CF has initiated legal proceedings against Netflix, challenging alleged inaccuracies presented in a documentary focused on Brazilian soccer star Vinícius Júnior. The club asserts that the film unjustly implicated a substantial segment of its fanbase in racist chants directed at the Real Madrid forward during a LaLiga match in 2023.
Details of the Lawsuit
After failing to receive any rectifications from the production company despite public appeals, Valencia decided to take legal action. The lawsuit targets both Netflix and the documentary’s producers for harming the club’s reputation. The club is seeking monetary damages, a revision of the subtitles in the film, and a public acknowledgment of the court’s ruling.
Earlier this year, Valencia had hinted at the possibility of a lawsuit, while Vinícius’s representatives stated that the player would not participate in the legal matter, as it primarily involved Netflix and the documentary makers.
The Controversy
At the heart of the controversy is a social media clip included in the documentary, which depicts a large gathering at Mestalla Stadium chanting at Vinícius. However, the club contends that the subtitle translating one chant as “mono”—Spanish for monkey—was misleading, arguing that the actual phrase being chanted was “tonto,” meaning silly.
Reacting initially, former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had accused Valencia fans of racially targeting Vinícius, only to later retract his statement after realizing not all fans were involved in the chant.
It was acknowledged that some supporters did engage in racial abuse during the match; three of those perpetrators received eight-month prison terms, marking a first in Spain for convictions related to racism in professional soccer. During their trial, forensic analysis revealed that the video featuring the “monkey” subtitles was manipulated, further fueling Valencia’s grievances.
Broader Implications
In what became a harrowing incident for Vinícius, he was visibly emotional during the game, confronting a fan who hurled racist remarks and gestures from the stands. This incident highlights the broader issue of racism in Spanish soccer, where Vinícius has faced recurring instances of discrimination.
