Marta Barba Returns to Stage as Search for Max Continues

Marta Barba's August 31 appearance at the Nova Vista Community Carnival marked one of the singer's first major public performances since the disappearance of her dog, Max, in July.

For most of the summer, Barba's public appearances have centered on the search. She has shared missing-dog notices, encouraged sightings to be reported, and repeatedly asked followers not to approach animals they believe may be Max.

Her decision to perform at Nova Vista nevertheless drew criticism online.

Some commenters questioned how Barba could return to work while Max remained missing. Others defended the singer, pointing out that the performance had been scheduled months earlier and that proceeds from the carnival support Nova Vista student activities.

Barba addressed the criticism briefly before taking the stage.

“I told the students I would be here. This community has been incredibly kind to me. I wasn't going to let them down.”

The performance drew one of the largest crowds of the evening.

Questions surrounding Max's disappearance, however, followed Barba offstage.

Her former husband, Leo Barba, has continued criticizing the way Barba has handled both Max's disappearance and the public search. The former couple's increasingly public disagreements have renewed interest in their marriage, their divorce, and the custody dispute involving Max.