Irene Rosales avoided a face-to-face encounter with Lola Garcia on Wednesday, August 5, when her daughters returned home after spending several weeks with their father. Carlota and Ana were brought to the former marital home by Garcia, the girlfriend of DJ Kiko Rivera, following a tense period marked by family health struggles and public disputes.
Rivera delegated the drop-off to Garcia rather than appearing at his ex-wife's residence in person. Cameras from Europa Press captured the exchange, which unfolded without direct contact between Rosales and Garcia.
Tension had built leading up to the scheduled return of the children. However, strategic decisions by both women prevented them from crossing paths during the drop-off.
Breakup background and growing tension
The relationship between Rivera and the mothers of his children was previously described as amicable. When Rivera broke up his marriage with Rosales in August of last year, the DJ stated that the end of their 11-year relationship was by mutual agreement and with exemplary maturity. He promised not to attack Rosales for the sake of their two shared daughters.
Rivera also maintained a cordial relationship with Jessica Bueno, with whom he shares a son, speaking only about their child. However, the situation changed completely after Garcia entered Rivera's life.
The son of Isabel Pantoja launched attacks against his former partners after Rosales refused to sign a document. The document would have allowed Garcia to collect the daughters from school. Rosales considered it premature for the dancer to hold such authority over her daughters just one month into their romance.
Following the refusal, Rivera declared war on Rosales through television interviews and social media posts. Garcia also publicly criticized Rosales, alleging a media double standard between them.
Amid the growing controversy, Rivera deleted his social media accounts to avoid reading further criticism. He is also studying how to bring both Rosales and Bueno before a judge. Despite the ongoing disputes, Rivera publicly declared his love for Garcia during his most complicated week, calling her the woman of his life.
Hospitalization and child custody handover
The handover followed a turbulent period after Rivera was admitted to the hospital with a second stroke. The second stroke was more severe than his first due to lingering health effects.
Rivera chose not to return his daughters to their mother during his hospital stay. Instead, he assigned their care to Garcia and to his mother, Isabel Pantoja. Pantoja flew from Gran Canaria to assist with caring for her grandchildren.
Garcia devoted herself to caring for Carlota and Ana throughout the summer despite the difficult circumstances. Rivera was expected to attend the drop-off at Rosales' house on August 5, but he assigned the task to Garcia.
When Garcia arrived at the home, a direct meeting with Rosales seemed likely. However, Rosales also chose to avoid an encounter.
Garcia remained inside the vehicle and did not step out. Rosales' sister, Vanessa Rosales, walked out of the house to greet her nieces and welcome them inside.
Neither side made public statements or answered questions from reporters at the scene before departing. Their actions have nevertheless generated significant public discussion surrounding the ongoing family rivalry.
