Cuban singer Eduardo Antonio, popularly recognized as El Divo de Placetas, has gracefully addressed the recent homophobic jabs directed at him by presenter Alexander Otaola. Through a statement on social media, Eduardo Antonio expressed regret that such attacks originated from another member of the LGBT community. "The worst enemy of a gay person is another gay person," he remarked while questioning Otaola's behavior: "How can you practice gay homophobia? It's homophobic to target individuals within our own LGBT community
Eduardo Antonio made it clear he would never resort to derogatory terms as Otaola did: "I would never call you derogatory names because I am a respectful man. I wouldn't use such terms. I called you 'gata igualada' in a specific context because you often engage in mocking behavior, giving you a taste of your own medicine, but I never called you derogatory names." He emphasized the necessity of respect within the community: "I respect the people in my community who have struggled to move forward. If you don't, what can we expect from others who continue to attack us?" The Divo also addressed Otaola's criticisms regarding his recent public appearance, where he was honored with an LGBTQI+ award and participated in a parade in New Jersey wearing an outfit inspired by Yemayá. "Are you upset about my award? Well, it was awarded to me, not you. Maybe they don't see you as deserving. Did my outfit bother you? Spectacular. You mentioned it looked like a masculine representation of Yemayá, which I liked because I am a man despite my sexual orientation," he stated. In closing, he delivered an ironic yet composed remark: "I'm sorry if you wish to see yourself in me or find inspiration in me because you would have loved to be on that float. You would have wanted to parade on a mule through those 40 streets filled with Latinos who know me because I am truly international. I've appeared in more than 18 telenovelas, and you haven't. You aren't recognized internationally." The artist's response has been widely praised by his followers, who appreciate his firm stance without resorting to insults.