Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás took a stand against a barrage of racially charged comments that emerged on social media following a post by CiberCuba celebrating his 39th birthday with his partner, influencer Olivia RS. In a Facebook post, Ugás firmly denounced the racist remarks that appeared in the comments section of the digital outlet, which featured an image of him with Olivia, a white woman.
Ugás began his post by acknowledging the potential backlash from his mother for speaking out, but emphasized the necessity: "I know this isn't right, and my mom might scold me, but I have to do it." He clarified that his goal was not to spread more hate or encourage harassment, but to respond with dignity to attitudes he finds unacceptable.
Ugás strongly opposed the notion that romantic relationships should be dictated by skin color. He stated, "If you think that because I'm Black I have to be with a Black woman, or because I'm white I have to be with a white woman, then you're the racist, not me."
Among the comments that particularly angered him was one from a user named Yandrisnay Valdés, who wrote, "But I wouldn't touch that Congo even if I were dead, chuiii." Ugás did not hesitate to respond directly, emphasizing that his rejection of her had nothing to do with her skin color but with her offensive and vulgar demeanor: "I would never look at you, for being rude, vulgar, and gossipy."
He reiterated that racial prejudice does not influence his choice of partner: "I like a woman, not the color of that woman. And thank God at this point in my life, as long as it's mutual, I can choose the woman I want."
The controversy arose from a post by CiberCuba marking Ugás's birthday, showcasing images from the celebration in Miami. The event was intimate and romantic, highlighting the couple's year-long relationship. Olivia RS, known for her social media content related to fashion and lifestyle, has gained attention since making her relationship with the boxer public. Although they maintain privacy about their personal lives, fans have observed a strong bond between them.
Having made history by defeating the legendary Manny Pacquiao in 2021, Ugás is in a calmer phase of his career but remains a respected figure in the Cuban boxing community in exile. With this public response, the former world champion made it clear that both inside and outside the ring, he refuses to tolerate discrimination: "I'm not that kind of man, nor that kind of person."
His post has garnered thousands of reactions and supportive comments, particularly from those who applaud his courage in speaking out against racism within the Cuban community itself.
Addressing Racial Issues in the Cuban Community
Why did Yordenis Ugás respond to the comments on social media?
Yordenis Ugás responded to the comments to denounce the racist attacks and to assert that he would not tolerate discrimination based on race, emphasizing the importance of dignity and respect in relationships.
What was the origin of the controversy involving Ugás?
The controversy originated from a CiberCuba post celebrating Ugás's 39th birthday, which included images of him with his partner, Olivia RS, sparking racially charged comments from some social media users.