Rocco Ritchie is facing criticism online after sharing a series of photos from a weeklong trip to Seville, Spain, where the artist documented his time exploring the city's architecture, drawing, nightlife and one of its most debated traditions, bullfighting.
The 25-year-old son of Madonna and filmmaker Guy Ritchie posted a carousel on Instagram with the caption, "A week well spent in Sevilla, drawing, drinking, dancing."
© Rocco Ritchie/IGAmong the photos were stylish portraits of Rocco in a cream-colored suit, moments of him sketching inside a café, scenes from Seville's famous Feria festivities and several images taken inside a bullring, including matadors preparing for the spectacle and a bull facing a matador in the arena.
While many followers praised the visual storytelling and photography, others focused on the inclusion of the bullfighting images, reigniting the long-running debate surrounding the Spanish tradition.
© Rocco Ritchie/IGThe comments section quickly filled with messages from followers expressing disappointment over the photos. "Tradition is never an excuse for cruelty; ban bullfighting and end animal abuse," one user wrote.
Another commented, "I truly support you and your art but bullfighting is a horrible crime in disguise. Try to use your voice to raise awareness." Others added, "Love your art but bullfighting [is] very sad," while another follower wrote, "There are many wonderful things to do in Spain... but bullfighting isn't one of them."
© Rocco Ritchie/IGSeveral commenters emphasized that they admired Rocco's artistic work but wished he had not highlighted the controversial practice.
The post reflects Rocco's continued focus on visual art and travel. In recent years, he has built a career largely separate from his famous parents, exhibiting paintings under the name "Rhed" before later embracing his own identity more publicly.
© Rocco Ritchie/IGHis latest trip showcased sketching sessions, historic landmarks, local culture and fashion-forward looks alongside images capturing traditional Andalusian celebrations.
Although Rocco has not responded to the criticism, the conversation surrounding his post underscores how bullfighting remains one of Spain's most polarizing cultural traditions, with supporters viewing it as part of the country's heritage and critics condemning it as animal cruelty.
© Rocco Ritchie/IGHow Rocco Ritchie carved out his own art career with support from Madonna and Guy Ritchie:
Despite growing up in one of entertainment's most famous families, Rocco has spent the past few years establishing himself as an artist on his own terms. He first exhibited his paintings under the pseudonym "Rhed" before eventually embracing his own name as his reputation in the contemporary art world grew.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupBoth of his parents have publicly supported his creative ambitions. Madonna has frequently celebrated her son's exhibitions on social media, praising his talent and encouraging fans to see his work, while Guy Ritchie has also attended his shows and expressed pride in his artistic journey.
© Rocco Ritchie/IGRather than pursuing careers in music or film like his parents, Rocco has focused on painting, regularly exhibiting in London and attracting collectors with works inspired by expressionism, street art and contemporary culture.
