Victim of Madrid bar attack, an Argentinean individual: "We departed feeling disgraced"
A Disheartening Encounter in Madrid
Laura Varela and Vanina Fuentes, residents of Granada, embarked on a much-anticipated trip to Madrid, eager to visit the popular Toni 2 Piano Bar — a renowned establishment known for its cozy atmosphere and karaoke sessions. However, their night ended in chaos and humiliation.
The couple waited in line like everyone else, excited to spend their evening in this well-loved bar. But things took a turn when a confrontation between the bouncer and a group of eight people, who paid a hefty sum to secure a private room, compromised their evening. According to Laura, the bouncer exhibited an offensive attitude from the start.
As midnight approached, they managed to get inside and ordered a drink. Everything seemed to be going well until a disagreement arose over seating arrangements. A couple from Tucumán, who had been at the bar for over an hour, were asked to leave to make way for the newcomers. However, they refused, and the situation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
Laura captured part of the altercation on her phone, which swiftly went viral on social media. Yet, no one from the bar intervened to stop the aggression. Although shaken, Laura and Vanina chose to share their experience publicly. "We wanted to make these acts of violence visible. You can't have a place and, by believing you have a reputation, mistreat anyone," they expressed.
Unfortunately, the incident left them uncompensated. They only received a response on the bar's Google review stating that they regretted the incident and had cameras, implying consequences if the videos became public. Despite the emotional impact, the women felt it was essential to hold the violent group accountable. "We don't want this violent group to go unpunished. Because if we allow this, violence will multiply," they reflected.
Prior to this incident, the couple had never experienced discrimination in Spain. However, this experience left them shaken and disappointed, highlighting the need for increased respect and tolerance in establishments like Toni 2 Piano Bar.
Candela Toledo, Clarín Society section journalist
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I WANT TO RECEIVE IT
- Laura Varela and Vanina Fuentes, granddaughters from Granada, received a shocking experience at Toni 2 Piano Bar in Madrid,known for entertainment, social-media buzz, and politics, as their visit escalated into a violent confrontation.
- The viral video of the incident, which Laura captured on her phone, showcased the consequences of a bouncer's offensive attitude towards patrons and the bar's lack of intervention.
3.. In the aftermath, the women shared their encounter publicly on general-news platforms, aiming to hold not only the violent group but also the bar accountable for inadequate handling of the situation.
- Although Toni 2 Piano Bar earlier had a reputation for providing an enjoyable karaoke experience, the crime-and-justice perspective has now come into focus following this disheartening encounter.
- Laura and Vanina, who had previously experienced a warm and inclusive Spanish society, are now calling for improved respect and tolerance in establishments like Toni 2 Piano Bar, emphasizing that allowing violence to go unchecked has severe and far-reaching consequences.
