Less than a week ago, abhorrent news broke about a forthcoming new reality show that MTV hopes to champion: Ibiza Shore, as it sounds, aims to be a spin-off of the previously popular Jersey Shore. For those of us involved in dance music, we predicted that the show would likely rub shoulders with the island’s iconic clubs and premier electronic music DJs that frequent Ibiza’s famous party scene – but as for how it would all be portrayed, the assumption was dismal.

It seems as though the people of the island are in agreement, as Vicent Torres, president of Ibiza’s local government, voiced his position on the news. “If we can stop this, we will,” he pledged. “It’s a matter of image, that’s what worries us.” Reportedly, Torres has rallied the government to explore all legal options to halt the production of Ibiza Shore in fear that like its Jersey counterpart, Ibiza would become painted as a sloppy, vulgar destination.

Beyond the governing body, other Ibiza establishments have also taken a stand against the MTV pilot. The Ibiza faction of the Spanish political party Podemos issued a statement to urge businesses to avoid associating and supporting the show in any way.

“We know that it’s hard to impede this show from being made, but we’re encouraging everyone to do what they can to avoid Ibiza Shore becoming a reality. It’s up to all of us to associate Ibiza’s name with quality tourism and avoid, as much as possible, connecting Ibiza with these kinds of stereotypes and embarrassing clichés.”

Even local businesses are chipping in. Catering company El Catering Francés rejected a contract to be signed on as the television production team’s caterer. Though the decision cost him over 20,000 Euros, Alexis Carini of the catering company said: “It was worth it. For the past few years we’ve been working to change the image of Ibiza, after years of reports about vulgarity, drugs and people vomiting in the streets. That’s not how the island is any more.”

Via: The Guardian

Tags: ibiza, ibiza shore, MTV

Categories: News