Morrissey has called on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to ban bullfighting ahead of his headline concerts in Barcelona and Madrid later this month.
The former Smiths frontman has partnered with PETA to send an open letter to Sánchez, urging the Spanish government to end the practice and remove its protected cultural status.
Morrissey backs campaign to end bullfighting
The appeal comes as Spain’s Congress considers the renewed “No Es Mi Cultura” (“It’s Not My Culture”) citizens’ legislative initiative, which seeks to strip bullfighting of its status as protected cultural heritage.
The proposal has been reintroduced with the backing of 52 Members of Parliament after an earlier attempt failed in 2025 when Sánchez’s governing party abstained during the vote.
According to campaign organisers, it is the most-supported citizens’ initiative launched in Spain over the past decade.
Morrissey says animal suffering is not culture
In his letter, Morrissey argued that bullfighting continues to damage Spain’s international reputation and called on lawmakers to bring the practice to an end.
“A terrified animal dying in an arena after being stabbed cannot be excused under the guise of culture.”
The singer has long campaigned for animal rights and previously released the song The Bullfighter Dies. He has also worked with PETA in the past, including urging Pope Francis to condemn church-blessed bullfights.
PETA renews criticism of bullfighting
Supporting Morrissey’s campaign, PETA said bulls experience prolonged suffering during bullfights after being wounded with lances and banderillas before the matador attempts the final kill.
The organisation argues that many animals remain conscious as they are removed from the arena and continues to campaign for an end to bullfighting worldwide.
Spanish tour begins this month
Morrissey is scheduled to perform in Barcelona on 25 July before heading to Madrid on 29 July as part of his 2026 European tour.
His latest intervention places renewed international attention on the debate surrounding bullfighting, which remains both culturally significant to some communities and fiercely opposed by animal welfare organisations.
