Activist and social media influencer Carlos Eduardo Espina has agreed to pay $50,000 to engage in a debate with Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola. The offer comes amid a heated exchange that has been brewing between the two in recent days.
"Now it turns out that Alexander Otaola wants me to pay him $50,000 for him to agree to debate with me," Espina announced on Friday, following Otaola's claim that his followers had suggested the debate. "They want you to debate me, it's $50,000. I invite you to the morning show and you come, and we debate for—what, two hours?" the Cuban influencer had proposed.
Espina, who referred to Otaola as a "bottomless barrel," accepted the challenge but made it clear he wouldn't hand over the money directly. Instead, he asked Otaola to name an organization or group helping the Cuban people or those imprisoned by the regime, to which Espina would donate the money. "I'll give $50,000 directly to those people, that foundation, or organization, whatever you prefer," Espina declared. "This is to ensure something positive comes out of this situation between you and me. And I suppose, as a purported leader of the Cuban exile community who cares about your people, you'll accept this deal."
The tension between the two escalated after Espina criticized Otaola for not representing his own community and for attacking Donald Trump's immigration policies. Otaola retaliated by insulting Espina's followers, calling them "idiots" and "subnormals" who echoed Espina's views on Trump. "The people who follow you are the resentful, the failures, the lazy, those who live off aid," Otaola said, contrasting them with his own audience of "prosperous people" and "investors."
Espina countered by saying Otaola's remarks were not only offensive to him but to his community of over 15 million followers. He noted Otaola's inability to reach such numbers: "I dare say that's your pain, that in just a few years I've surpassed you, achieved things you'll never accomplish."
"People can tell the difference between a deceitful loudmouth who thrives on gossip and a well-prepared, capable person who makes a positive contribution to society," Espina stated emphatically. "That's why you're not wanted even in your own city, while I'm welcomed and recognized everywhere."
Last month, Alex Otaola also criticized Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica for allegedly failing to depict the true conditions of the Cuban people during his trip to the island. Otaola accused him of collaborating with the Cuban dictatorship by not showing the harsh realities. He even suggested that Luisito might be under pressure from Cuban State Security. Otaola has launched a social media campaign urging Luisito Comunica to "tell the truth" about Cuba's situation, encouraging followers to use the hashtag #CubaEsUnaDictadura to press the YouTuber to reflect the island's reality.
Understanding the Debate Between Espina and Otaola
Why is Carlos Eduardo Espina willing to pay $50,000 for a debate?
Carlos Eduardo Espina is willing to pay $50,000 to engage in a debate with Alexander Otaola as part of a public challenge and to support a cause that aids the Cuban people or those imprisoned by the regime.
What issue sparked the conflict between Espina and Otaola?
The conflict began when Espina criticized Otaola for not representing his community and for opposing Donald Trump's immigration policies, which led to Otaola insulting Espina and his followers.
How did Espina respond to Otaola's insults?
Espina responded by highlighting his larger following compared to Otaola's and emphasizing his positive contributions to society, contrasting them with Otaola's focus on gossip.
What accusations has Otaola made against Luisito Comunica?
Otaola accused Luisito Comunica of not accurately portraying the hardships faced by the Cuban people during his trip to the island and suggested he might be under the influence of Cuban State Security.