Cayetano Rivera Detained After Madrid Fast-Food Altercation, Denies Assault; Intoxicated, Medical Report, Video Evidence Cited

Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez, a prominent Spanish bullfighter, was detained in Madrid in the early hours of June 30, 2025, following an altercation at a fast-food restaurant near Atocha. The incident involved resistance to police officers, with authorities alleging that Rivera was intoxicated and acted violently during the confrontation. Rivera denies having assaulted any police officers and claims the police response was disproportionate, stating he has sustained injuries and possesses a medical report documenting them. After spending the night in custody, he was released and issued several public statements emphasizing his innocence and criticizing the handling of the incident. His lawyer highlighted the existence of video evidence and called for a rational approach to the case. The episode has led to Rivera withdrawing from a scheduled bullfighting event in Burgos. Family members and acquaintances have expressed surprise and concern, with some defending his character. The police maintain that Rivera exhibited aggressive behavior, a position supported by Inspector Serafín Giraldo. A video of the altercation was later released, showing that officers did not properly identify themselves by displaying their badges. Actress Blanca Romero, Rivera's ex-wife, described him as typically peaceful, while the program 'TardeAR' reported that Rivera behaved courteously shortly before the incident. The case has attracted significant media attention in Spain, with Rivera attempting to manage the impact on his public image amid ongoing discussions about the events.