Even Michelle Obama's Vacation Stirs Controversy
The first lady and daughter Sasha will meet King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.
LONDON, Aug. 4, 2010 -- First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in southern Spain with daughter Sasha for the start of a five night stay at a luxurious 5-star resort in Marbella. But this holiday is not without some controversy.
Just before her arrival, the State Department removed from its website a warning to African Americans about racism among Spanish police.
According to a version of Bureau of Consular Affair's Country Specific Information for Spain and Andorra that ABC News found cached online from last week:
"We have received isolated reports that racial prejudice may have contributed to the arrest or detention of some African-Americans travelling in Spain. Recently, two African-American U.S. Government employees were questioned by police in Barcelona for no apparent reason. One was detained and suffered physical injuries in the process."
The paragraph, in a section called Safety and Security, which also has information about the Basque terror group ETA and the 2004 bombings, was only removed in recent days after calls from Spanish media about the first lady's visit, according to British reports
Apparently the incidents of racial profiling took place over a year ago and the State Department is saying they are no longer relevant.
The Obama family's oldest daughter Malia, 12, is at summer camp, the first lady and her 9-year-old daughter, Sasha, are soaking up the rays in Marbella, located on southern Spain's Costa del Sol.
Residents of Marbella appeared to be excited that the two were coming to visit, posting a red, white and blue billboard that read, "Welcome Obama Family! Thank you for choosing Marbella!"
The first lady and Sasha are relaxing at the five-star Hotel Villa Padierna, situated in the mountains, boasting views of the Mediterranean and even the African coastline on clear days.
Related Stories
ABC News Live