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{{Short description|Cuban-American political activist and humorist}}
]
{{use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{short description|American actor,}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Alexander Otaola | name = Alexander Otaola
| image = El influencer Alexander Otaola hace una arenga en la Calle 8 en Miami, Florida, en apoyo a las protestas sucedidas en la isla el domingo.png
| image =
| caption = Otaola speaking at a protest in 2021
| birth_name = Alexander Otaola Casal | birth_name = Alexander Otaola Casal
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|4|28}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|4|28}}
| birth_place = ], Cuba | birth_place = ], Cuba
| other_names = El rey de chisme, El rey de Facebook Live | other_names = El rey del chisme, El rey de Facebook Live
| party = ] | party = ] (2017–present)<br>] (2010–2017)
| known_for = Activism, Television, Comedy, Acting, Influencer | known_for = Activism, television, comedy, acting, influencing
| website = {{URL|https://holaotaola.com/}} | website = {{URL|https://holaotaola.com/}}
}} }}


'''Alexander Otaola''' is a ] actor, social media ], and political activist.<ref name="El_nuevo1">{{cite news|last1=Torres|first1=Norra Gamez|last2=Penton|first2=Mario J|title=Influencer de Miami moviliza a cubanos recién llegados en apoyo a política de Trump|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/sur-de-la-florida/article240808571.html|access-date=10 June 2020|newspaper=El Nuevo Herald|date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509221619/https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/sur-de-la-florida/article240808571.html}}</ref> Otaola is the host of the web show ''Hola Ota-Ola!'', an informative and satirical program that covers entertainment, news and politics. His show debuted on Cubanos por el Mundo: a cross platform media initiative, website, and YouTube channel that covers politics, news, and celebrity culture in Cuba and the ] community.<ref name="Youtu">{{cite interview|last=Otaola|first=Alexander|subject-link=Alexander Otaola|interviewer=CiberCuba|title=El entrevistador entrevistado, en vivo con Álex Otaola|work=CiberCuba|publisher=]|location=Miami, Florida|archive-date=9 June 2020|date=7 May 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RIsSLvET9E|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609181637/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RIsSLvET9E}}</ref><ref name="Youtu5_Rod">{{cite interview |last=Otaola |first = Alexander|subject-link=Alexander Otaola |interviewer=]|title=Entrevista a Alex Otaola: Su Vida Antes & Después de Hola Ota-Ola &#124; Amenazas + Vida Personal.|work = Familia Cubana TV |publisher = ]|location=Miami, Florida |archive-date= 9 June 2020 |date= 19 July 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=578&v=y_arnywRrDA&feature=emb_title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609200613/https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=578&v=y_arnywRrDA |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hyper">{{cite interview |last=Otaola |first = Alexander|subject-link=Alexander Otaola |interviewer=Siro Cuartel|title=Alexander Otaola: “A mí lo que me gusta es que me ataquen”|work = Hypermedia magazine |publisher = ]|location=Miami, Florida |archive-date= 16 August 2019|date= 22 January 2019 |url=https://www.hypermediamagazine.com/entrevistas/alexander-otaola-a-mi-lo-que-me-gusta-es-que-me-ataquen/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816211424/https://www.hypermediamagazine.com/entrevistas/alexander-otaola-a-mi-lo-que-me-gusta-es-que-me-ataquen/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Alexander Otaola is a vocal opponent of the communist regime in Cuba denouncing its human rights violations and crimes in all his shows. '''Alexander Otaola Casal''' ({{IPA|es|aleɣsanˈdeɾ otaˈola kaˈsal|lang}}, born April 28, 1979) is a ]<nowiki/>social media ], comedian and political activist.<ref name="El_nuevo1">{{cite news |last1=Torres |first1=Norra Gamez |last2=J. Penton |first2=Mario |date=March 3, 2020 |title=Influencer de Miami moviliza a cubanos recién llegados en apoyo a política de Trump |trans-title=Miami influencer mobilizes recently arrived Cubans in support of Trump's policies |url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/sur-de-la-florida/article240808571.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509221619/https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/sur-de-la-florida/article240808571.html |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |newspaper=El Nuevo Herald |language=es}}</ref> Otaola is the host of the web show ''Hola Ota-Ola!'', an informative and satirical program that covers entertainment, news and politics. His show debuted on ''Cubanos por el Mundo'', a cross platform media initiative, website, and YouTube channel that covers politics, news, and celebrity culture in Cuba and the ] community.<ref name="Youtu">{{cite interview |last=Otaola |first=Alexander |subject-link=Alexander Otaola |interviewer=CiberCuba |title=El entrevistador entrevistado, en vivo con Álex Otaola |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RIsSLvET9E |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609181637/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RIsSLvET9E |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |work=CiberCuba |via=] |location=Miami, Florida |date=May 7, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Youtu5_Rod">{{cite interview |last=Otaola |first=Alexander |subject-link=Alexander Otaola |interviewer=] |title=Entrevista a Alex Otaola: Su Vida Antes & Después de Hola Ota-Ola &#124; Amenazas + Vida Personal. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=578&v=y_arnywRrDA&feature=emb_title |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609200613/https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=578&v=y_arnywRrDA |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |url-status=live |work=Familia Cubana TV |via=] |location=Miami, Florida |date=July 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |last=Otaola |first=Alexander |subject-link=Alexander Otaola |interviewer=Siro Cuartel |title=Alexander Otaola: "A mí lo que me gusta es que me ataquen" |url=https://www.hypermediamagazine.com/entrevistas/alexander-otaola-a-mi-lo-que-me-gusta-es-que-me-ataquen/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816211424/https://www.hypermediamagazine.com/entrevistas/alexander-otaola-a-mi-lo-que-me-gusta-es-que-me-ataquen/ |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |url-status=live |work=Hypermedia Magazine |via=] |location=Miami, Florida |date=January 22, 2019}}</ref> Otaola is a vocal opponent of the ], denouncing its human rights violations and crimes in all of his shows. In addition, in 2023, Otaola registered his candidacy to run in the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hanks |first=Douglas |date=April 19, 2023 |title=He's a conservative Cuban-American YouTube star. Now he's running for Miami-Dade mayor |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article274493321.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419195219/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article274493321.html |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=The Miami Herald}}</ref>


== Biografía == == Biography ==
Alexander Otaola Casal born in ], Cuba, April 28, 1979.<ref name= Youtu/> For secondary school, he studied at a special athletic school in Cuba known as ESPA where he trained in water polo, horse riding, chess and ended up in gymnastics and musical aerobics.<ref name="Youtu2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Mf0bTK2SM|title=El show de Alexis Valdés 02-19-20 entrevista al influencer Alex Otaola|access-date=June 9, 2020|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611185854/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Mf0bTK2SM |archive-date= 11 June 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with CiberCuba, Otaola said he was born in a society with a culture often favoring a strong sense of masculinity ("machismo") and experienced bullying and homophobia in Cuba.<ref name= Youtu/> Otaola was born in ], Cuba, on April 28, 1979.<ref name= Youtu/> For secondary school, he studied at a special athletic school in Cuba known as ESPA where he trained in water polo, horse riding, chess and ended up in gymnastics and musical aerobics.<ref name="Youtu2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Mf0bTK2SM|title=El show de Alexis Valdés 02-19-20 entrevista al influencer Alex Otaola|access-date=June 9, 2020|work=]|date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611185854/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Mf0bTK2SM |archive-date= June 11, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with '']'', Otaola said he was born in a society with a culture often favoring a strong sense of masculinity ("machismo") and experienced bullying and homophobia in Cuba.<ref name= Youtu/>


On December 3, 2003, Alexander emigrated to the United States from Cuba on a Visa.<ref name=Youtu2/> He settled in Miami where he worked as a waiter, cashier at Walmart, baker, and a manager in a housekeeping business.<ref name="MIA_1">{{cite news|last1=Torres|first1=Norra Gamez|last2=Penton|first2=Mario J|title=This YouTube star made his mark among recently arrived Cubans — and got them to act|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article240808631.html|access-date=9 June 2020|newspaper=Miami Herald|date=March 5, 2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514071020/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article240808631.html|archive-date=14 May 2020}}</ref> In 2008, he returned to television and worked in telenovelas and comedy shows.<ref name= Youtu5_Rod/> He portrayed the character Carlos Recto in the MEGATV show Esta Noche Tu Night hosted by ], and also participated in a Venevision talk show called ].<ref name= Youtu5_Rod/> Later in 2015, he was suspended by the television network Mega TV for using an obsene word during an interview.<ref name="People_esp">{{cite web|last=Hansen|first1=Lena|title=El caso Rodner Figueroa se cobra otra víctima|url=https://peopleenespanol.com/article/el-caso-rodner-figueroa-se-cobra-otra-victima/|access-date=10 June 2020|publisher = People|date=March 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714002639/http://peopleenespanol.com/article/el-caso-rodner-figueroa-se-cobra-otra-victima/|archive-date=2 September 2019}}</ref> In 2017, he started webcasting his show Hola Ota-Ola! which has a large audience in Cuban and the United States.<ref name=MIA_1/> On December 3, 2003, Otaola emigrated to the United States from Cuba after obtaining a visa.<ref name=Youtu2/> He settled in Miami where he worked as a waiter, cashier at Walmart, baker, and a manager in a housekeeping business.<ref name="MIA_1">{{cite news|last1=Torres|first1=Norra Gamez|last2=Penton|first2=Mario J.|title=This YouTube star made his mark among recently arrived Cubans — and got them to act|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article240808631.html|access-date=June 9, 2020|newspaper=Miami Herald|date=March 5, 2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514071020/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article240808631.html|archive-date=May 14, 2020}}</ref>
In 2008, he returned to television and worked in ] and comedy shows.<ref name= Youtu5_Rod/> He portrayed the character "Carlos Recto" in the MEGATV show ''Esta Noche Tu Night'' hosted by ], and also participated in a Venevision talk show called '']''<ref name= Youtu5_Rod/> Later in 2015, he was suspended by the television network Mega TV for using an obscene word during an interview.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hansen |first1=Lena |date=March 17, 2015 |title=El caso Rodner Figueroa se cobra otra víctima |trans-title=The Rodner Figueroa case claims another victim |url=https://peopleenespanol.com/article/el-caso-rodner-figueroa-se-cobra-otra-victima/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714002639/http://peopleenespanol.com/article/el-caso-rodner-figueroa-se-cobra-otra-victima/ |archive-date=July 14, 2018 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |website=People en Español |language=es}}</ref> In 2017, he started webcasting his show ''Hola Ota-Ola!'', which has a large audience in Cuba and the United States.<ref name=MIA_1/>


== Political activism == == Political activism ==
Otaola has organized boycotts on Cuban artist such as ], Jacob Forever, El Micha, and ] which has resulted in their shows being canceled in Miami.<ref name="VOA">{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/americas/miami-sees-return-cold-war-cultural-hard-line-cuba|title=Miami Sees Return to Cold War Cultural Hard Line on Cuba|date=February 4, 2020|newspaper=Associated Press|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref> As a result of his social media activism, ] was declared persona non grata in the city of ] by the mayor ].<ref name="Telemundo_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.telemundo51.com/noticias/local/alex-otaola-habla-de-haila-mompie/2024848/|title=Alex Otaola habla de Haila Mompié|date=November 29, 2020|publisher=Telemundo 51|access-date=9 June 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611143602/https://www.telemundo51.com/noticias/local/alex-otaola-habla-de-haila-mompie/2024848/ |archive-date=11 June 2020}}</ref> In 2019, Otaola criticized the daughter of ], ], for canceling the annual gay pride parade in Cuba and failing to protect gay rights activists from violence by Cuban security forces.<ref name="NYT_LGBTI">{{cite news|title=Defiance and Arrests at Cuba’s Gay Pride Parade|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/12/world/americas/cuba-gay-pride-parade.html|access-date=12 March 2019|newspaper=New York Times|date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> Otaola has organized boycotts on Cuban artists such as ], Jacob Forever, El Micha, and ] which has resulted in their shows being canceled in Miami.<ref name="VOA">{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/americas/miami-sees-return-cold-war-cultural-hard-line-cuba|title=Miami Sees Return to Cold War Cultural Hard Line on Cuba|date=February 4, 2020|newspaper=Associated Press|access-date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> As a result of his social media activism, ] was declared persona non grata in the city of ] by the mayor ].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 29, 2020 |title=Alex Otaola habla de Haila Mompié |trans-title=Alex Otaola talks about Haila Mompié |url=https://www.telemundo51.com/noticias/local/alex-otaola-habla-de-haila-mompie/2024848/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611143602/https://www.telemundo51.com/noticias/local/alex-otaola-habla-de-haila-mompie/2024848/ |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |website=] |language=es}}</ref>
In 2019, Otaola criticized the daughter of ], ], for canceling the annual gay pride parade in Cuba and failing to protect gay rights activists from violence by Cuban security forces.<ref>{{cite news|title=Defiance and Arrests at Cuba's Gay Pride Parade|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/12/world/americas/cuba-gay-pride-parade.html|access-date=March 12, 2019|newspaper=New York Times|date=June 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The LGBTI+ community of Cuba is living a week of celebrations and controversy|url=https://www.tremendanota.com/the-lgbti-community-of-cuba-is-living-a-week-of-celebrations-and-controversy/|access-date=May 20, 2020|newspaper=Tremenda Nota|date=June 9, 2020}}</ref>

<ref name="Tremenda">{{cite news|title=The LGBTI+ community of Cuba is living a week of celebrations and controversy|url=https://www.tremendanota.com/the-lgbti-community-of-cuba-is-living-a-week-of-celebrations-and-controversy/|access-date=20 May 2020|newspaper=Tremenda Nota|date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> On social media, Otaola has attempted to uncover Ciberclarias, which he claims are false profiles that spread propaganda for the Cuban government.<ref name=Ciber_clara>{{cite AV media |author=Cubanos por el Mundo|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3KpF2meLzU |title=Otaola a las 'ciberclarias': "Ustedes me están haciendo invencible e inmortal" |work=Alexander Otaola |publisher=] |date=27 November 2019 |access-date=10 June 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610060918/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3KpF2meLzU |archive-date=10 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="Ciber_Clandestinos">{{cite news|last =Penton|first = Mario J|title=Cuban TV shows footage of 4 alleged members of ‘Clandestinos’ — says Miami money behind them|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article239566843.html|access-date=11 June 2020|newspaper=Miami Herald|date= 23 January 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404124534/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article239566843.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter |archive-date=4 April 2020}}</ref> On February 29, 2020, Otaola organized a Caravan in ], Miami, for the liberation of Cuba, the release of political prisoners in Cuba, and to support the Trump administration's policies on Cuba.<ref name= El_nuevo1/> According to the Miami Herald, the caravan consisted in as many as 2,000 cars.<ref name=MIA_1/> Following the car caravan to condemn the Cuban regieme, Otaola congregated a second caravan to support Law and Order and peace.<ref name=Cuba_floyd /> On social media, Otaola has attempted to uncover Ciberclarias, which he claims are false profiles that spread propaganda for the Cuban government.<ref>{{cite AV media |author=Cubanos por el Mundo|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3KpF2meLzU |title=Otaola a las 'ciberclarias': "Ustedes me están haciendo invencible e inmortal" |work=Alexander Otaola |publisher=] |date=November 27, 2019 |access-date=June 10, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610060918/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3KpF2meLzU |archive-date=June 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last =Penton|first = Mario J|title=Cuban TV shows footage of 4 alleged members of 'Clandestinos' — says Miami money behind them|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article239566843.html|access-date=June 11, 2020|newspaper=Miami Herald|date= January 23, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404124534/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article239566843.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter |archive-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref>

On February 29, 2020, Otaola organized a caravan in ], Miami, for the liberation of Cuba, the release of political prisoners in Cuba, and to support the Trump administration's policies on Cuba.<ref name= El_nuevo1/> According to the Miami Herald, the caravan consisted in as many as 2,000 cars.<ref name=MIA_1/> Following the car caravan to condemn the Cuban regime, Otaola congregated a second caravan to support "law, order, and peace."<ref name="Cuba_floyd">{{cite news |last=Torres |first=Nora Gamez |date=June 24, 2020 |title=As the country debates racism, support for Trump and views on race divide Cuban Americans |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article243659282.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715155734/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article243659282.html |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |access-date=July 15, 2020 |newspaper=Miami Herald}}</ref>


During the ], Otaola joined the BlackTuesday campaign on Instagram in support of black victims of police violence and added the hashtag #AllLivesMatter.<ref name="Cuba_floyd">{{cite news|last =Torres|first = Nora Gamez|title=As the country debates racism, support for Trump and views on race divide Cuban Americans|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article243659282.html|access-date=15 July 2020|newspaper=Miami Herald|date= 24 June 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715155734/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article243659282.html |archive-date=15 July 2020}}</ref> Otaola said on his show: "If we are going to fight racism, it is not by segregating or separating into races that we are going to achieve it". He also said the ] was not justified and the police officer kneeling on his neck should be punished.<ref name=Cuba_floyd /> He also expressed his belief that mainstream media and the left were trying to promote vandalism and portray Floyd like a hero.<ref name=Cuba_floyd /> During the ], Otaola joined the BlackTuesday campaign on Instagram in support of black victims of police violence and added the hashtag #AllLivesMatter. Otaola said on his show: "If we are going to fight racism, it is not by segregating or separating into races that we are going to achieve it". He also said the ] was not justified and the police officer kneeling on his neck should be punished. He also expressed his belief that mainstream media and the left were trying to promote vandalism and portray Floyd like a hero.<ref name=Cuba_floyd />


=== José Daniel Ferrer === === José Daniel Ferrer ===
On his show, Otaola has demanded the release of political prisoner and human rights activist ] and founder of the human rights group the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU).<ref name=Youtu_ferrer_entre/> In 2019, he called for a proof of life for José Daniel Ferrer.<ref name= "Youtu4">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6LDcNadgA|title=Alex Otaola exige prueba de vida de José Daniel Ferrer.|work=]|date=31 October 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610044121/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6LDcNadgA |archive-date=10 June 2020}}</ref> Otaola vigorously defended the human rights activist from allegations by a Cuban television station that Ferrer bashed his head against a desk in prison, he claimed the video was manipulated.<ref name="P_cuba1">{{cite news|title=Otaola revela la verdadera intención del régimen cubano con el caso de Ferrer (+VIDEO)|url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-revela-la-verdadera-intencion-del-regimen-cubano-con-el-caso-de-ferrer-video/|access-date=9 June 2020|newspaper=Periodico Cubano|date=November 29, 2019 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610034201/https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-revela-la-verdadera-intencion-del-regimen-cubano-con-el-caso-de-ferrer-video/ |archive-date= 10 June 2020}}</ref> Upon Ferrer's release to house arrest in 2020, Ferrer was interviewed on Hola Ota-Ola! and expressed gratitude toward the program for raising awareness to secure his release.<ref name="Ferrer_1">{{cite news|url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-habla-con-jose-daniel-ferrer-lider-de-la-unpacu-despues-de-ser-liberado/|title=Otaola habla con José Daniel Ferrer, líder de la UNPACU, después de ser liberado |date=April 4, 2020 |newspaper=Periodico Cubano |access-date=9 June 2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601014124/https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-habla-con-jose-daniel-ferrer-lider-de-la-unpacu-despues-de-ser-liberado/ |archive-date= 1 June 2020}}</ref><ref name= "Youtu_ferrer_entre">{{cite interview |last=Ferrer|first = José Daniel |subject-link= José Daniel Ferrer |interviewer=Alexander Otaola|title= José Daniel Ferrer en exclusiva con Otaola: “Pueden matarnos incluso, pero rendirnos jamás” |work = Cubanos por el Mundo |publisher = ]|archive-date= 10 June 2020 |date = 3 April 2020|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O364JmDawNk |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200610041508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O364JmDawNk|url-status=live}}</ref> On his show, Otaola repeatedly demanded the release of ], a human rights activist which had been arrested in 2003 for his participation in the ].<ref name=Youtu_ferrer_entre/> In 2019, he called for a proof-of-life on Ferrer;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6LDcNadgA|title=Alex Otaola exige prueba de vida de José Daniel Ferrer.|work=]|date=October 31, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610044121/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6LDcNadgA |archive-date=June 10, 2020}}</ref> later that year, he proved that alleged videos of Ferrer showing aggression and displaying weapons were manipulated.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 29, 2019 |title=Otaola revela la verdadera intención del régimen cubano con el caso de Ferrer (+VIDEO) |trans-title=Otaola reveals the true intention of the Cuban regime with the Ferrer case (+VIDEO) |url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-revela-la-verdadera-intencion-del-regimen-cubano-con-el-caso-de-ferrer-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610034201/https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-revela-la-verdadera-intencion-del-regimen-cubano-con-el-caso-de-ferrer-video/ |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=Periodico Cubano |language=es}}</ref> Upon Ferrer's release to house arrest in 2020, Ferrer was interviewed on ''Hola Ota-Ola!'' and expressed gratitude toward the program for raising awareness to secure his release.<ref name= "Youtu_ferrer_entre">{{cite interview |last=Ferrer|first = José Daniel |subject-link= José Daniel Ferrer |interviewer=Alexander Otaola|title= José Daniel Ferrer en exclusiva con Otaola: "Pueden matarnos incluso, pero rendirnos jamás" |work = Cubanos por el Mundo |publisher = ]|archive-date= June 10, 2020 |date = April 3, 2020|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O364JmDawNk |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200610041508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O364JmDawNk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=April 4, 2020 |title=Otaola habla con José Daniel Ferrer, líder de la UNPACU, después de ser liberado |trans-title=Otaola speaks with José Daniel Ferrer, leader of UNPACU, after being released |url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-habla-con-jose-daniel-ferrer-lider-de-la-unpacu-despues-de-ser-liberado/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601014124/https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-habla-con-jose-daniel-ferrer-lider-de-la-unpacu-despues-de-ser-liberado/ |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=Periodico Cubano |language=es}}</ref>


== Controversy == == Controversy ==
{{Overly detailed|yes|date=June 2024}}


=== Descemer Bueno === === Descemer Bueno ===
In 2019, Otoala sued ] for defamation and it has resulted in an ongoing court battle.<ref name="El_Nuevo2">{{cite news|last =Penton|first = Mario J|title=Polémica entre Otaola y Descemer Bueno abre viejas heridas del exilio cubano|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/mundo/america-latina/cuba-es/article229646629.html|access-date=24 April 2019|newspaper=El Nuevo Herald|date=June 9, 2020}}</ref> In 2019, Otoala sued ] for defamation and it has resulted in an ongoing court battle.<ref>{{cite news |last=Penton |first=Mario J |date=June 9, 2020 |title=Polémica entre Otaola y Descemer Bueno abre viejas heridas del exilio cubano |trans-title=Controversy between Otaola and Descemer Bueno opens old wounds of the Cuban exile |url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/mundo/america-latina/cuba-es/article229646629.html |access-date=April 24, 2019 |newspaper=El Nuevo Herald |language=es}}</ref>


=== Roberto F. Hidalgo Puentes === === Roberto F. Hidalgo Puentes ===
In May 2018, Otaola filed a police report which alleges that Roberto F. Hidalgo Puentes, half of the Cuban duo Yomil y Dany, assaulted him inside a store in Miami.<ref name= "Marti_1">{{cite news|title=Otaola teme por su vida y piden revocación de visa para el reguetonero Yomil|url=https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba-yomil-hidalgo-agrede-presentador-alex-otaola-/177669.html|access-date=10 June 2020|newspaper=RadioTelevisionMarti|date=May 29, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610050353/https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba-yomil-hidalgo-agrede-presentador-alex-otaola-/177669.html |archive-date= 10 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="El_nuevo_yomil">{{cite news|last=Arias-Polo|first=Arturo|title=Otaola: 'Yomil me dijo que me iba a matar, llevaré el caso hasta las últimas consecuencias'|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article212119194.html|access-date=10 June 2020|newspaper=El Nuevo Herald|date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=15 February 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215001259/https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article212119194.html}}</ref> In a statement to Martí Noticias, Otaola said this is not the first time he has been threatened by Hidalgo, and he alleges Hidalgo threatened to kill him during an event in Punta Cana. Hidalgo returned to Cuba after the incident.<ref name= Marti_1/> In 2018 according to Daniel Benítez of América TeVé, a Miami Dade judge signed an arrest warrant for Mr. Hidalgo.<ref name="Americateve">{{cite web|last=Benítez |first=Daniel |title=EXCLUSIVA: El presentador Alex Otaola da detalles sobre la demanda que presentó por agresión a Yomil Hidalgo|url=https://www.americateve.com/alex-otaola/exclusiva-el-presentador-alex-otaola-da-detalles-la-demanda-que-presento-agresion-yomil-hidalgo-n992307|date=May 18, 2018|archive-date=11 June 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611175540/https://www.americateve.com/alex-otaola/exclusiva-el-presentador-alex-otaola-da-detalles-la-demanda-que-presento-agresion-yomil-hidalgo-n992307}}</ref><ref name="El_nuevo_yomil2">{{cite news|last=Arias-Polo|first=Arturo|title=Reguetonero Yomil podría ser arrestado en EEUU si regresa de Cuba|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article216702040.html|access-date=10 June 2020|newspaper=El Nuevo Herald|date=August 14, 2018|archive-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815120441/https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article216702040.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, Otaola filed a police report which alleges that Roberto F. Hidalgo Puentes, half of the Cuban duo {{Illm|Yomil y Dany|lt=Yomil y Dany|es|Yomil y Dany}}, assaulted him inside a store in Miami.<ref name="Marti_1">{{cite news |date=May 29, 2018 |title=Otaola teme por su vida y piden revocación de visa para el reguetonero Yomil |trans-title=Otaola fears for his life and asks for visa revocation for reggaeton singer Yomil |url=https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba-yomil-hidalgo-agrede-presentador-alex-otaola-/177669.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610050353/https://www.radiotelevisionmarti.com/a/cuba-yomil-hidalgo-agrede-presentador-alex-otaola-/177669.html |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |newspaper=RadioTelevisionMarti |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Arias-Polo |first=Arturo |date=March 3, 2020 |title=Otaola: 'Yomil me dijo que me iba a matar, llevaré el caso hasta las últimas consecuencias' |trans-title=Otaola: 'Yomil told me he was going to kill me, I will take the case to the final consequences' |url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article212119194.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215001259/https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article212119194.html |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |newspaper=El Nuevo Herald |language=es}}</ref> In a statement to ''Martí Noticias'', Otaola said this is not the first time he has been threatened by Hidalgo, and he alleges Hidalgo threatened to kill him during an event in Punta Cana. Hidalgo returned to Cuba after the incident.<ref name= Marti_1/> In 2018 according to Daniel Benítez of ], a Miami-Dade judge signed an arrest warrant for Hidalgo.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benítez |first=Daniel |date=May 18, 2018 |title=EXCLUSIVA: El presentador Alex Otaola da detalles sobre la demanda que presentó por agresión a Yomil Hidalgo |trans-title=EXCLUSIVE: Presenter Alex Otaola gives details about the lawsuit he filed for assaulting Yomil Hidalgo |url=https://www.americateve.com/alex-otaola/exclusiva-el-presentador-alex-otaola-da-detalles-la-demanda-que-presento-agresion-yomil-hidalgo-n992307 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611175540/https://www.americateve.com/alex-otaola/exclusiva-el-presentador-alex-otaola-da-detalles-la-demanda-que-presento-agresion-yomil-hidalgo-n992307 |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |website=] |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Arias-Polo |first=Arturo |date=August 14, 2018 |title=Reguetonero Yomil podría ser arrestado en EEUU si regresa de Cuba |trans-title=Reggaeton player Yomil could be arrested in the US if he returns from Cuba |url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article216702040.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815120441/https://www.elnuevoherald.com/entretenimiento/article216702040.html |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |newspaper=El Nuevo Herald |language=es}}</ref>


=== 5 de Septiembre Accusations === === ''5 de Septiembre'' accusations ===
On January 10, 2020, Julio Martínez Molina published an article in the Cienfuegos newspaper, ''5 de Septiembre'', which alleged that Otaola is accused of sexual abuse of a minor in Cuba.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Alexander Otaola reta al periódico 5 de Septiembre: "Que saquen pruebas legales sobre esta acusación" |trans-title=Alexander Otaola challenges the newspaper 5 de Septiembre: "Let them produce legal evidence about this accusation" |url=https://www.asere.com/alexander-otaola-reta-al-periodico-5-de-septiembre-que-saquen-pruebas-legales-sobre-esta-acusacion/ |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=Asere Noticias |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Otaola reta al Periódico 5 de Septiembre a demostrar con pruebas acusaciones en su contra |trans-title=Otaola challenges newspaper 5 de Septiembre to prove accusations against him with evidence |url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-reta-al-periodico-5-de-septiembre-a-demostrar-con-pruebas-lo-que-difaman-en-su-contra/ |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=Periodico Cubano |language=es}}</ref><ref name="Cuba_T">{{cite news |date=September 5, 2020 |title=Un Periodico cubano llama <<cibercochino, garrapata y abusador sexual>> a Alex Otaola |trans-title=A Cuban newspaper calls Alex Otaola "a cyberpig, a tick and a sexual abuser" |url=https://cubatrendings.com/2020/01/15/cibercochino-garrapata-y-abusador/ |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=Cuba Trendings |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Molina |first=Julio Martinez |date=January 10, 2020 |title=Illegitimos |trans-title=Illegitimate |url=http://www.5septiembre.cu/wp-content/uploads/impresos/pdfs/10enero2020.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610070416/http://www.5septiembre.cu/wp-content/uploads/impresos/pdfs/10enero2020.pdf |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=5 de Septiembre |language=es}}</ref> Otaola has denied the allegation and has consulted with his legal team to request the statement's retraction.<ref name=Cuba_T/>
On January 10, 2020, Julio Martínez Molina published an article in the Cienfuego newspaper, 5 de Septiembre, which alleged that Alexander Otaola is accused of sexual abuse of a minor in Cuba.<ref name="Asere">{{cite news|url=https://www.asere.com/alexander-otaola-reta-al-periodico-5-de-septiembre-que-saquen-pruebas-legales-sobre-esta-acusacion/|title=Alexander Otaola reta al periódico 5 de Septiembre: "Que saquen pruebas legales sobre esta acusación"|date=January 16, 2020|newspaper=Asere Noticias|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="Periodico_C">{{cite news|url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/otaola-reta-al-periodico-5-de-septiembre-a-demostrar-con-pruebas-lo-que-difaman-en-su-contra/|title=Otaola reta al Periódico 5 de Septiembre a demostrar con pruebas acusaciones en su contra|date=January 16, 2020|newspaper=Periodico Cubano|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="Cuba_T">{{cite news|url=https://cubatrendings.com/2020/01/15/cibercochino-garrapata-y-abusador/|title= Un Periodico cubano llama <<cibercochino, garrapata y abusador sexual>> a Alex Otaola|date=September 5, 2020|newspaper=Cuba Trendings|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="5_de_Sep">{{cite news|last = Molina | first = Julio Martinez |url=http://www.5septiembre.cu/wp-content/uploads/impresos/pdfs/10enero2020.pdf|title= Illegitimos|date=January 10, 2020|newspaper=5 de Septiembre|access-date =9 June 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610070416/http://www.5septiembre.cu/wp-content/uploads/impresos/pdfs/10enero2020.pdf |archive-date= 10 June 2020}}</ref> Otaola denies the allegation and has consulted with his legal team to request the retraction of that statement by the newspaper.<ref name=Cuba_T/>


=== Chocolate MC === === Chocolate MC ===
During an interview ] walked out of the Hola Ota-Ola show.<ref name=Choco>{{cite AV media |author=Cubanos por el Mundo|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg1sJE6v4us |title=Entrevista a Chocolate MC en Hola! Ota-Ola por Alex Otaola |work=Alexander Otaola |publisher=] |date=8 August 2017 |access-date=31 January 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903022349/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIa6eAN_TTg |archive-date=3 September 2017 }}</ref> Since their initial meeting, Otaola and Chocolate MC have reconciled.<ref name=Choco/> Chocolate MC attended the Caravan in 2020.<ref name= MIA_1/> During an interview {{Illm|Chocolate MC|lt=Chocolate MC|es|Chocolate MC (humorista cubano)}} walked out of the ''Hola Ota-Ola!'' show.<ref name=Choco>{{cite AV media |author=Cubanos por el Mundo|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg1sJE6v4us |title=Entrevista a Chocolate MC en Hola! Ota-Ola por Alex Otaola |work=Alexander Otaola |publisher=] |date=August 8, 2017 |access-date=January 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903022349/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIa6eAN_TTg |archive-date=September 3, 2017 }}</ref> Since their initial meeting, Otaola and Chocolate MC have reconciled.<ref name=Choco/> Chocolate MC attended the Caravan in 2020.<ref name= MIA_1/>


=== Red List === === Red List ===
On his show he has an ongoing list of Cuban artists, celebrities, and business people who continue to work in Cuba while also possessing a green card in order to reside or work in the United States.<ref name=Rojo_2>{{cite web|last=Martinez|first=Alejandro|url=https://www.cubaenmiami.com/presentador-cubano-alexander-otaola-propone-crear-una-lista-roja-para-incluir-aquellos-artistas-y-empresarios-que-cooperan-con-la-dictadura-en-cuba-y-buscan-visa-y-green-card-en-estados-unidos/|title=Presentador cubano Alexander Otaola propone crear una "Lista Roja" para incluir aquellos artistas y empresarios que cooperan con la dictadura en Cuba y buscan visa y Green Card en Estados Unidos|work=CubaEnMiami|date=29 November 2019|access-date=9 June 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220154239/https://www.cubaenmiami.com/presentador-cubano-alexander-otaola-propone-crear-una-lista-roja-para-incluir-aquellos-artistas-y-empresarios-que-cooperan-con-la-dictadura-en-cuba-y-buscan-visa-y-green-card-en-estados-unidos/|archive-date=20 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="Roja_1">{{cite news|url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/amaury-perez-vidal-se-suma-a-la-lista-roja-de-alex-otaola-video/|title=Amaury Pérez Vidal se suma a la lista roja de Alex Otaola (+VIDEO)|date=December 19, 2019|newspaper=Periodico Cubano|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref> On his show he has an ongoing list of Cuban artists, celebrities, and business people who continue to work in Cuba while also possessing a green card in order to reside or work in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Alejandro |date=November 29, 2019 |title=Presentador cubano Alexander Otaola propone crear una "Lista Roja" para incluir aquellos artistas y empresarios que cooperan con la dictadura en Cuba y buscan visa y Green Card en Estados Unidos |trans-title=Cuban presenter Alexander Otaola proposes creating a "Red List" to include those artists and businessmen who cooperate with the dictatorship in Cuba and seek visa and Green Card in the United States |url=https://www.cubaenmiami.com/presentador-cubano-alexander-otaola-propone-crear-una-lista-roja-para-incluir-aquellos-artistas-y-empresarios-que-cooperan-con-la-dictadura-en-cuba-y-buscan-visa-y-green-card-en-estados-unidos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220154239/https://www.cubaenmiami.com/presentador-cubano-alexander-otaola-propone-crear-una-lista-roja-para-incluir-aquellos-artistas-y-empresarios-que-cooperan-con-la-dictadura-en-cuba-y-buscan-visa-y-green-card-en-estados-unidos/ |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |work=CubaEnMiami |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 19, 2019 |title=Amaury Pérez Vidal se suma a la lista roja de Alex Otaola (+VIDEO) |trans-title=Amaury Pérez Vidal joins Alex Otaola's red list (+VIDEO) |url=https://www.periodicocubano.com/amaury-perez-vidal-se-suma-a-la-lista-roja-de-alex-otaola-video/ |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=Periodico Cubano |language=es}}</ref>


== Personal life == == Personal life ==
According to an interview with Ileana Marce, Otaola is currently single.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyqsP1owXrk|title=ALEX OTAOLA, entrevista sobre su vida y cambios después del éxito.|access-date=June 9, 2020|date=August 27, 2019|work=]|archive-date=March 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304051138/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyqsP1owXrk|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Relationships ===
According to an interview with Ileana Marce, Alexander Otaola is currently single.<ref name="Youtu3">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyqsP1owXrk|title=ALEX OTAOLA, entrevista sobre su vida y cambios después del éxito.|access-date=9 June 2020|date=August 27, 2019|work=]|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304051138/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyqsP1owXrk|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Criticism == == Criticism ==


=== Boycotts === === Boycotts ===
Critics have voiced concern about Otaola's advocacy for boycotting certain Cuban artists. Several Cuban-Americans who were interviewed by the Associated Press criticized the ban as an act of discrimination and censorship.<ref name= VOA/> However, the mayor of Miami ] supported the ban stating: “It’s not about intolerance or censorship, it’s about respect and recognizing the mortifying history of communism, especially in Cuba”.<ref name=VOA/> Critics have voiced concern about Otaola's advocacy for boycotting certain Cuban artists. Several Cuban-Americans who were interviewed by the Associated Press criticized the ban as an act of discrimination and censorship.<ref name= VOA/> However, the mayor of Miami ] supported the ban stating: "It's not about intolerance or censorship, it's about respect and recognizing the mortifying history of communism, especially in Cuba".<ref name=VOA/>


== References == == References ==
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Latest revision as of 01:52, 30 December 2024

Cuban-American political activist and humorist

Alexander Otaola
Otaola speaking at a protest in 2021
BornAlexander Otaola Casal
(1979-04-28) April 28, 1979 (age 45)
Camagüey, Cuba
Other namesEl rey del chisme, El rey de Facebook Live
Known forActivism, television, comedy, acting, influencing
Political partyRepublican (2017–present)
Democratic (2010–2017)
Websiteholaotaola.com

Alexander Otaola Casal (Spanish: [aleɣsanˈdeɾ otaˈola kaˈsal], born April 28, 1979) is a Cuban-Americansocial media influencer, comedian and political activist. Otaola is the host of the web show Hola Ota-Ola!, an informative and satirical program that covers entertainment, news and politics. His show debuted on Cubanos por el Mundo, a cross platform media initiative, website, and YouTube channel that covers politics, news, and celebrity culture in Cuba and the Cuban exile community. Otaola is a vocal opponent of the communist Cuban government, denouncing its human rights violations and crimes in all of his shows. In addition, in 2023, Otaola registered his candidacy to run in the 2024 Miami-Dade County mayoral election.

Biography

Otaola was born in Camagüey, Cuba, on April 28, 1979. For secondary school, he studied at a special athletic school in Cuba known as ESPA where he trained in water polo, horse riding, chess and ended up in gymnastics and musical aerobics. In an interview with CiberCuba, Otaola said he was born in a society with a culture often favoring a strong sense of masculinity ("machismo") and experienced bullying and homophobia in Cuba.

On December 3, 2003, Otaola emigrated to the United States from Cuba after obtaining a visa. He settled in Miami where he worked as a waiter, cashier at Walmart, baker, and a manager in a housekeeping business.

In 2008, he returned to television and worked in telenovelas and comedy shows. He portrayed the character "Carlos Recto" in the MEGATV show Esta Noche Tu Night hosted by Alexis Valdés, and also participated in a Venevision talk show called ¿Quién Tiene la Razón? Later in 2015, he was suspended by the television network Mega TV for using an obscene word during an interview. In 2017, he started webcasting his show Hola Ota-Ola!, which has a large audience in Cuba and the United States.

Political activism

Otaola has organized boycotts on Cuban artists such as Haila Mompié, Jacob Forever, El Micha, and Gente de Zona which has resulted in their shows being canceled in Miami. As a result of his social media activism, Haila Mompié was declared persona non grata in the city of Miami by the mayor Francis Suarez.

In 2019, Otaola criticized the daughter of Raúl Castro, Mariela Castro, for canceling the annual gay pride parade in Cuba and failing to protect gay rights activists from violence by Cuban security forces.

On social media, Otaola has attempted to uncover Ciberclarias, which he claims are false profiles that spread propaganda for the Cuban government.

On February 29, 2020, Otaola organized a caravan in Calle Ocho, Miami, for the liberation of Cuba, the release of political prisoners in Cuba, and to support the Trump administration's policies on Cuba. According to the Miami Herald, the caravan consisted in as many as 2,000 cars. Following the car caravan to condemn the Cuban regime, Otaola congregated a second caravan to support "law, order, and peace."

During the George Floyd protests, Otaola joined the BlackTuesday campaign on Instagram in support of black victims of police violence and added the hashtag #AllLivesMatter. Otaola said on his show: "If we are going to fight racism, it is not by segregating or separating into races that we are going to achieve it". He also said the murder of George Floyd was not justified and the police officer kneeling on his neck should be punished. He also expressed his belief that mainstream media and the left were trying to promote vandalism and portray Floyd like a hero.

José Daniel Ferrer

On his show, Otaola repeatedly demanded the release of José Daniel Ferrer, a human rights activist which had been arrested in 2003 for his participation in the Varela Project. In 2019, he called for a proof-of-life on Ferrer; later that year, he proved that alleged videos of Ferrer showing aggression and displaying weapons were manipulated. Upon Ferrer's release to house arrest in 2020, Ferrer was interviewed on Hola Ota-Ola! and expressed gratitude toward the program for raising awareness to secure his release.

Controversy

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Descemer Bueno

In 2019, Otoala sued Descemer Bueno for defamation and it has resulted in an ongoing court battle.

Roberto F. Hidalgo Puentes

In May 2018, Otaola filed a police report which alleges that Roberto F. Hidalgo Puentes, half of the Cuban duo Yomil y Dany [es], assaulted him inside a store in Miami. In a statement to Martí Noticias, Otaola said this is not the first time he has been threatened by Hidalgo, and he alleges Hidalgo threatened to kill him during an event in Punta Cana. Hidalgo returned to Cuba after the incident. In 2018 according to Daniel Benítez of WJAN-CD, a Miami-Dade judge signed an arrest warrant for Hidalgo.

5 de Septiembre accusations

On January 10, 2020, Julio Martínez Molina published an article in the Cienfuegos newspaper, 5 de Septiembre, which alleged that Otaola is accused of sexual abuse of a minor in Cuba. Otaola has denied the allegation and has consulted with his legal team to request the statement's retraction.

Chocolate MC

During an interview Chocolate MC [es] walked out of the Hola Ota-Ola! show. Since their initial meeting, Otaola and Chocolate MC have reconciled. Chocolate MC attended the Caravan in 2020.

Red List

On his show he has an ongoing list of Cuban artists, celebrities, and business people who continue to work in Cuba while also possessing a green card in order to reside or work in the United States.

Personal life

According to an interview with Ileana Marce, Otaola is currently single.

Criticism

Boycotts

Critics have voiced concern about Otaola's advocacy for boycotting certain Cuban artists. Several Cuban-Americans who were interviewed by the Associated Press criticized the ban as an act of discrimination and censorship. However, the mayor of Miami Francis Suarez supported the ban stating: "It's not about intolerance or censorship, it's about respect and recognizing the mortifying history of communism, especially in Cuba".

References

  1. ^ Torres, Norra Gamez; J. Penton, Mario (March 3, 2020). "Influencer de Miami moviliza a cubanos recién llegados en apoyo a política de Trump" [Miami influencer mobilizes recently arrived Cubans in support of Trump's policies]. El Nuevo Herald (in Spanish). Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  2. ^ Otaola, Alexander (May 7, 2019). "El entrevistador entrevistado, en vivo con Álex Otaola". CiberCuba (Interview). Interviewed by CiberCuba. Miami, Florida. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ Otaola, Alexander (July 19, 2019). "Entrevista a Alex Otaola: Su Vida Antes & Después de Hola Ota-Ola | Amenazas + Vida Personal". Familia Cubana TV (Interview). Interviewed by Ann Rodriguez. Miami, Florida. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
  4. Otaola, Alexander (January 22, 2019). "Alexander Otaola: "A mí lo que me gusta es que me ataquen"". Hypermedia Magazine (Interview). Interviewed by Siro Cuartel. Miami, Florida. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019 – via YouTube.
  5. Hanks, Douglas (April 19, 2023). "He's a conservative Cuban-American YouTube star. Now he's running for Miami-Dade mayor". The Miami Herald. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  6. ^ "El show de Alexis Valdés 02-19-20 entrevista al influencer Alex Otaola". YouTube. February 20, 2020. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  7. ^ Torres, Norra Gamez; Penton, Mario J. (March 5, 2020). "This YouTube star made his mark among recently arrived Cubans — and got them to act". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  8. Hansen, Lena (March 17, 2015). "El caso Rodner Figueroa se cobra otra víctima" [The Rodner Figueroa case claims another victim]. People en Español (in Spanish). Archived from the original on July 14, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  9. ^ "Miami Sees Return to Cold War Cultural Hard Line on Cuba". Associated Press. February 4, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  10. "Alex Otaola habla de Haila Mompié" [Alex Otaola talks about Haila Mompié]. WSCV (in Spanish). November 29, 2020. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  11. "Defiance and Arrests at Cuba's Gay Pride Parade". New York Times. June 9, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
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  13. Cubanos por el Mundo (November 27, 2019). Otaola a las 'ciberclarias': "Ustedes me están haciendo invencible e inmortal". Alexander Otaola. YouTube. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  14. Penton, Mario J (January 23, 2020). "Cuban TV shows footage of 4 alleged members of 'Clandestinos' — says Miami money behind them". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  15. ^ Torres, Nora Gamez (June 24, 2020). "As the country debates racism, support for Trump and views on race divide Cuban Americans". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  16. ^ Ferrer, José Daniel (April 3, 2020). "José Daniel Ferrer en exclusiva con Otaola: "Pueden matarnos incluso, pero rendirnos jamás"". Cubanos por el Mundo (Interview). Interviewed by Alexander Otaola. YouTube. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020.
  17. "Alex Otaola exige prueba de vida de José Daniel Ferrer". YouTube. October 31, 2019. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020.
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  19. "Otaola habla con José Daniel Ferrer, líder de la UNPACU, después de ser liberado" [Otaola speaks with José Daniel Ferrer, leader of UNPACU, after being released]. Periodico Cubano (in Spanish). April 4, 2020. Archived from the original on June 1, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  20. Penton, Mario J (June 9, 2020). "Polémica entre Otaola y Descemer Bueno abre viejas heridas del exilio cubano" [Controversy between Otaola and Descemer Bueno opens old wounds of the Cuban exile]. El Nuevo Herald (in Spanish). Retrieved April 24, 2019.
  21. ^ "Otaola teme por su vida y piden revocación de visa para el reguetonero Yomil" [Otaola fears for his life and asks for visa revocation for reggaeton singer Yomil]. RadioTelevisionMarti (in Spanish). May 29, 2018. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  22. Arias-Polo, Arturo (March 3, 2020). "Otaola: 'Yomil me dijo que me iba a matar, llevaré el caso hasta las últimas consecuencias'" [Otaola: 'Yomil told me he was going to kill me, I will take the case to the final consequences']. El Nuevo Herald (in Spanish). Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  23. Benítez, Daniel (May 18, 2018). "EXCLUSIVA: El presentador Alex Otaola da detalles sobre la demanda que presentó por agresión a Yomil Hidalgo" [EXCLUSIVE: Presenter Alex Otaola gives details about the lawsuit he filed for assaulting Yomil Hidalgo]. WJAN-CD (in Spanish). Archived from the original on June 11, 2020.
  24. Arias-Polo, Arturo (August 14, 2018). "Reguetonero Yomil podría ser arrestado en EEUU si regresa de Cuba" [Reggaeton player Yomil could be arrested in the US if he returns from Cuba]. El Nuevo Herald (in Spanish). Archived from the original on August 15, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  25. "Alexander Otaola reta al periódico 5 de Septiembre: "Que saquen pruebas legales sobre esta acusación"" [Alexander Otaola challenges the newspaper 5 de Septiembre: "Let them produce legal evidence about this accusation"]. Asere Noticias (in Spanish). January 16, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  26. "Otaola reta al Periódico 5 de Septiembre a demostrar con pruebas acusaciones en su contra" [Otaola challenges newspaper 5 de Septiembre to prove accusations against him with evidence]. Periodico Cubano (in Spanish). January 16, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  27. ^ "Un Periodico cubano llama <<cibercochino, garrapata y abusador sexual>> a Alex Otaola" [A Cuban newspaper calls Alex Otaola "a cyberpig, a tick and a sexual abuser"]. Cuba Trendings (in Spanish). September 5, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  28. Molina, Julio Martinez (January 10, 2020). "Illegitimos" [Illegitimate] (PDF). 5 de Septiembre (in Spanish). Archived (PDF) from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
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  30. Martinez, Alejandro (November 29, 2019). "Presentador cubano Alexander Otaola propone crear una "Lista Roja" para incluir aquellos artistas y empresarios que cooperan con la dictadura en Cuba y buscan visa y Green Card en Estados Unidos" [Cuban presenter Alexander Otaola proposes creating a "Red List" to include those artists and businessmen who cooperate with the dictatorship in Cuba and seek visa and Green Card in the United States]. CubaEnMiami (in Spanish). Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  31. "Amaury Pérez Vidal se suma a la lista roja de Alex Otaola (+VIDEO)" [Amaury Pérez Vidal joins Alex Otaola's red list (+VIDEO)]. Periodico Cubano (in Spanish). December 19, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
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External links

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