The social communicator and migration activist, Carlos Eduardo Espina, agreed to pay 50,000 dollars for a debate with the Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola, amid a feud that the two have been embroiled in for days.
"Now it turns out that Alexander Otaola wants me to pay him 50 thousand dollars for him to agree to debate with me," announced Espina this Friday, after Otaola stated that his followers suggested the debate.
"They want you to debate with me, it's 50 thousand dollars. I invite you to the morning show, and you come and we debate there. How many hours, two? We debate for two hours," the Cuban had said.
Espina, who stated that Otaola is a "bottomless barrel," accepted the challenge but warned that he would not offer anything. Instead, he asked the Cuban exile to provide the name of any organization, foundation or group of individuals that helps the Cuban people, especially those imprisoned by the dictatorship.
"I will give 50 thousand dollars directly to those people, to that foundation, organization, whatever you want," Espina stated. "This is so that something positive comes from everything that has developed between you and me. And I imagine that you, as you supposedly are a leader of the Cuban exile community and that you care about your people, will accept this deal."
Days ago, amidst declarations on their respective shows, Otaola launched into a tirade against Espina after the latter claimed that the Cuban did not represent his own community and criticized Donald Trump's immigration policy.
It was then that Otaola went after the Uruguayan and told him that he was only followed by "idiots" and "subnormals" who repeated, just like Espina, that "Trump is bad": "There are people who cheer you on, the resentful, the pro-abortion, the failures, the lazy, those who live off welfare, all those people are the ones who follow you. Not me, I am followed by prosperous people, I am followed by people who make investments."
In his response, Espina pointed out that he had not only offended him but also the community of more than 15 million people who follow him.
On that occasion, he took the opportunity to emphasize that Otaola does not reach that audience number: "I even dare to say that this is the pain you have, that in just a few years I have surpassed you and gone in circles a thousand times, achieving things that you will never achieve in your life."
"The people know how to differentiate between a deceitful charlatan who only serves to spread gossip, and a knowledgeable and qualified person who contributes positively to society. And that is why you are not wanted even in your own city, while I am, in the meantime, welcomed and acknowledged everywhere," Espina stated emphatically.
Last month, Alex Otaola also criticized the Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica for believing that he does not show the reality of the Cuban people in the video following his trip to the Island and accuses him of collaborating with the Cuban dictatorship by failing to depict the living conditions.
It was also suggested that Luisito might be being blackmailed by the Cuban State Security.
Otaola has launched a social media campaign urging Luisito Comunica to "tell the truth" about the situation in Cuba. He has encouraged his followers to use the hashtag #CubaIsADictatorship to pressure the YouTuber to reflect the reality of the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the debate between Carlos Eduardo Espina and Alexander Otaola
Why did Carlos Eduardo Espina agree to pay $50,000 to debate Alexander Otaola?
Carlos Eduardo Espina agreed to pay $50,000 for a debate with Alexander Otaola on the condition that the amount be donated to an organization that aids the Cuban people, as a way to create a positive impact from their dispute.
What is the origin of the conflict between Carlos Eduardo Espina and Alexander Otaola?
The conflict between Espina and Otaola arose from mutual criticisms on their programs, where Espina questioned Otaola's representation of the Cuban community and Otaola responded with insults directed at Espina and his audience. The dispute intensified when the idea of a paid debate was proposed.
How has the immigrant community in the U.S. reacted to the debate between Espina and Otaola?
The immigrant community has been divided. Some see the debate as an opportunity to address important issues regarding the representation of immigrants, while others believe it distracts from the real needs and challenges faced by immigrants in the United States.
Filed under:
