Cuban reggaeton artist Yomil Hidalgo recently stirred up social media once more by expressing his strong desire to visit the United States during an interview shared by influencer Papel Encara. This seemingly harmless admission was enough to reignite tensions between the musician and TV host Alexander Otaola, who quickly responded in the comments: "I'm waiting for him."
Otaola's comment on Instagram sparked a flurry of reactions—over 80 replies in less than a day—blending humor, anticipation, and reminders of the heated altercation between the two in Miami seven years ago.
The Enthusiastic Dream of Miami
In the clip shared by Papel Encara, Yomil appeared relaxed and spoke excitedly about his plans. "Miami, my brother... I can't even begin to talk about it. I'm dying to finally get there. It's going to be wild. I know with the things I'm going to do, the show, everything, you know... I've envisioned it for many years," the musician shared, adding that "a lot of people" are waiting for him.
The phrase "eager to step on American soil" was used by the influencer to headline the post, accompanied by airplane and coffee emojis. However, what could have been a simple expression of nostalgia or artistic ambition quickly turned into the latest chapter in the Yomil-Otaola saga, one of the most notorious feuds between a Cuban artist and a media figure in exile.
Old Grudges Resurface
Under Papel Encara's post, numerous users tagged Alexander Otaola, urging him to respond. True to his direct style, the host left a brief yet impactful comment: "I'm waiting for him." This statement alone unleashed a wave of comments from his followers—and Yomil's critics—many recalling the 2018 incident when the reggaeton artist physically assaulted Otaola in a Miami store.
At the time, Otaola publicly denounced the attack and announced he would press charges, though the case never reached court. Since then, Otaola has openly expressed his disdain for the 'Te paso a buscar' singer, accusing him repeatedly of maintaining ties with the Cuban regime. For his part, Yomil has labeled the host a "slanderer" and "anti-Cuban," even accusing him of influencing the denial of his U.S. visa.
Polarized Reactions Online
The comments on the post highlight the polarized environment surrounding both figures. "ICE is the one waiting for you," one user wrote, while another quipped, "G2 agents don't enter the U.S." Others were more aggressive: "Where's this snitch going," "Stay in Cuba, cop," "Get ready, as soon as you set foot in Miami, you're heading straight to court," and one user referenced the 2018 slap: "No one has the right to hit anyone, especially not someone who won't hit back."
Otaola's comment, in turn, was met with numerous replies—ranging from laughter to insults and warnings—confirming that, despite the passage of time, the confrontation remains vivid in the collective memory of the Cuban public.
A Conflict Amplified by Social Media
The clash between these two is now part of the pop culture fabric of the Cuban diaspora. What began as a physical confrontation has evolved into years of indirect jabs, media attacks, and mutual accusations. Today, social media magnifies every word, gesture, and reaction.
For many users, the tension between Otaola and Yomil reflects a broader divide: the one separating Cuban artists who remain within the cultural system of the dictatorship from those like Otaola, who openly denounce it from exile.
Whether Yomil will eventually set foot on American soil remains uncertain. However, what's certain is that should he arrive, the reception will be anything but quiet. As one commenter put it: "Come on over, there's a sheriff's and marshal's commission waiting for you at the airport!" Judging by the tone of the social media comments, it didn't seem like they were joking.
Understanding the Yomil and Otaola Controversy
What sparked the recent tension between Yomil and Otaola?
Yomil's recent expression of his strong desire to visit the U.S. during an interview reignited tensions with Alexander Otaola, who responded by stating he was waiting for Yomil, alluding to their past conflict.
What was the 2018 incident between Yomil and Otaola?
In 2018, Yomil physically assaulted Otaola in a Miami store. The incident led Otaola to publicly denounce Yomil and announce his intention to press charges, though the case never went to court.
How do social media users react to the Yomil and Otaola feud?
Users on social media have shown a mix of humor, anticipation, and aggression, with comments ranging from jokes about ICE waiting for Yomil to criticisms of his past actions and alleged ties to the Cuban regime.