Carlucho Challenges Carlos Otero: "With So Many Who Have Deceived the Cuban People, Is It Really Me?"

The Cuban comedian José Carlos Pérez, known as Carlucho, addressed the controversy from Madrid involving presenter Carlos Otero, who publicly declared he would never work with him again.

During an interview with journalist Tania Costa, which Carlucho requested to delay in order to respond thoughtfully, he was asked about how many friends have disappointed him. He remarked that he's not looking for "perfect friends."

"I just look for friends. I've made mistakes too. I've failed too," he admitted, visibly moved.

When questioned if he would forgive Otero should he apologize, Carlucho was clear: "I'm not the one to grant forgiveness, nor am I the one to judge. Carlos Otero doesn't need me, and with God's favor, I don't need him either."

What bothers Carlucho the most is the specific accusation against him. "It irks me that I'm the only person you don't want to work with when you've worked with so many traitors to the Cuban people, with so many who continue to deceive them. Is it really me? Am I truly the one? Well, it seems I've been chosen," he remarked, addressing Otero.

Carlucho also issued a subtle challenge, suggesting an inquiry into who would want to work with Carlos Otero, mentioning Ana Lidia Méndez and César Leal as potential witnesses.

Regarding what transpired between them, Carlucho chose to be brief: "A curtain fell on a person," he said, leaving the statement open-ended without further detail.

The journalist recalled how Carlucho reached out to Otero when he left Cuba, helping him secure a million-dollar contract and gifting him a car.

While Carlucho did not deny these actions, he downplayed their significance: "Do you really think I keep in my memory a million dollars and a gifted car? Do you think that truly defines me?"

For him, the true significance lay elsewhere: "The most important thing is that his children grew up in freedom. The most important thing is that he experienced a different system."

Carlucho also emphasized his willingness to take the stage in support of Cuban political prisoners or against the dictatorship, regardless of who else might be present, though he doubted Carlos Otero would do the same for the Cuban cause.

The comedian concluded by declaring his personal independence: "I don't need to work with Carlos Otero or anyone. I am the entrepreneur of my own life. I am the captain of my ship. I am responsible for my mistakes and some successes."

Carlucho is scheduled to perform at the Teatro Las Vegas in Madrid on May 3rd, alongside Robertico, his partner in the group Los Bufomaníacos, marking an artistic reunion after 25 years apart.