Spanish Comedian Ane Lindane Sparks Complaint for Simulated Masturbation with Crucifix at Euskal Herria Zuzenean Festival in Basque Church

A controversy has erupted following a performance by Spanish comedian Ane Lindane at the Euskal Herria Zuzenean music festival held in the Basque village of Arbérats-Sillègue. During her act on June 29, Lindane climbed onto the altar of a local church and simulated masturbation using a crucifix, while shouting "Dieu est mort" (God is dead). This act, which was part of the festival's scheduled program, has been widely circulated on social media and condemned by the local diocese as sacrilegious. The Catholic association Abogados Cristianos has filed a formal complaint against Lindane for desecrating the church. Despite the backlash, Lindane has taken responsibility for her performance. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the boundaries of artistic expression and respect for religious symbols in the region.