Netflix's new true crime documentary series, 'The Predator of Seville', has shot up the streaming platform's charts, currently ranking fourth in the United Kingdom less than a week after its release. The three-part series follows the story of Gabrielle Vega, a university student who was sexually assaulted by tour guide Manuel Blanco Vela while studying abroad in Spain in 2013.
After initially keeping the attack to herself, Gabrielle shared her experience on social media, prompting numerous other women to come forward with similar accounts. The documentary traces her journey from the assault to the trial, highlighting how a single post sparked a wave of allegations against Vela, who ran a travel company called Discover Excursions targeting international students.
Viewers have praised the series for its unflinching portrayal of the victims' struggles. One described it as 'a striking and unsettling depiction of how women are treated when they become victims,' while another called it 'sad to watch' but 'important.' A third viewer noted it 'gives me chills,' and a fourth recommended it as essential viewing for young adults traveling abroad.
The series also covers cases from 2017 involving students Hayley McAleese and Carly Van Ostenbridge, who escaped an assault by Vela in Portugal. It is estimated that Vela assaulted or attempted to assault between 50 and 100 women, though many cases did not proceed due to complications with overseas laws. In 2025, Vela was found guilty of assaulting Gabrielle, Hayley, and Carly, and sentenced to eight and a half years in prison; he is appealing the decision.
