Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Stephen Hawking Tribute Divides Internet
A group of 12 men in Spain dressed up like the famous scientist Stephen Hawking for a carnival performance.
They used wheelchairs and mimicked his voice to raise awareness about a disease called ALS, which Hawking had.
Some people online thought the performance was funny and a good way to raise awareness, while others thought it was disrespectful and mocking.
The group said they wanted to give people with disabilities more visibility and even donated the wheelchairs they used to people with ALS.
It's a bit like when people dress up as famous characters to make a point, but not everyone agrees if it's a good idea.
12 men in motorized wheelchairs mimicked Stephen Hawking's voice and gestures in a Spanish carnival performance.
The performance aimed to raise awareness about ALS, a disease Hawking had.
The group 'Una chirigota en teoria' said they wanted to give people with disabilities a 'voice and visibility'.
The performance sparked mixed reactions online, with some finding it insensitive and others appreciating the humor.
The group donated all 12 electric wheelchairs used in the performance to people living with ALS.
- Who
- 12 men from the Spanish carnival group 'Una chirigota en teoria'
- What
- A performance mimicking Stephen Hawking to raise ALS awareness
- When
- 2026 Cadiz Carnival
- Where
- Cadiz, Spain
- Why
- To raise awareness about ALS and give people with disabilities a 'voice and visibility'
- Event
- Spanish carnival performance
- Performers
- 12 men in motorized wheelchairs
- Group Name
- Una chirigota en teoria
- Location
- Cadiz, Spain
- Purpose
- Raise awareness about ALS
- Donation
- 12 electric wheelchairs to ALS patients