“I’m in Dubai, I’m going to make this video as calmly as possible. We were at the pool and we started hearing bombs, tremors in the hotel, they actually tried to bomb Dubai where I am, I’m alone,” shared Ofelia Hentschel, a semifinalist on ‘Masterchef 9’ on her social media. The 34-year-old expressed being deeply affected by the lack of response from the Spanish embassy, a contrast to the assistance being provided to French and Italian citizens, according to reports.
“The Spanish embassy isn’t speaking, isn’t answering, all my family from Spain are trying to speak, to locate me, to get a solution, nothing. Air traffic is completely closed, all flights are stopped because Iran is bombing Iran, I didn’t grasp what it felt like to be somewhere hearing bombs but I swear it’s terrifying,” she shared, visibly emotional.
“I would love to travel home or for the Spanish embassy to give me an answer,” she revealed, unable to hold back tears. In the same video, Ofelia asks her followers for help, hoping someone can connect her with someone who can offer guidance. Her comments section quickly filled with messages of support, including from Javi Hoyos and Noemí Salazar.
One user attempted to reassure her: “Stay calm. I live in Dubai, they haven’t tried to attack Dubai Marina, the missiles are going towards Abu Dhabi to military bases and what you heard were fighter jets intercepting those missiles which in no way were headed towards Dubai. You can be calm, I am. I am a Spanish citizen like you and the attack is aimed at the US military bases in Abu Dhabi.”
ABC contacted Ofelia, who said she is “freaking out” in the hotel garage, listening to the bombs. “Everyone is scared,” she added. The former cooking competition contestant continues to seek information and has shared videos sent by friends on her stories. This incident highlights the growing anxieties faced by travelers as geopolitical tensions escalate.
Ofelia, who has over 155,000 followers on social media, identifies as an anti-inflammatory food expert. She also served as a defender for Álvaro Muñoz-Escassi on a reality show last year. Originally from Santiago de Compostela, Spain, she now lives in Madrid, where she balances her influencer career with various businesses and her passion for cooking.
