The Cuban reggaeton artist Dany Ome openly criticized the influencer Alexander Otaola during an interview on the podcast Destino Tolk, where he was interviewed alongside his duo partner, Kevincito El 13.
In his statements, Dany Ome questioned the recognition and resources that Otaola has gained compared to his mother, Noelia Pedraza Jiménez, who was a Dama de Blanco in Cuba, after marrying the political prisoner Ariel Sigler Amaya in 2008.
"How is it possible that Otaola, speaking into a microphone, has more money than my mom? And my mom actually went out into the streets," said the artist, upset over what he views as an injustice towards those who confronted the regime on the island.
During the interview, the reggaeton artist also spoke about the suffering his mother endured for having political views different from those of the Cuban government and stated that, despite this, she is willing to return to the island for a vacation with him.
"There are many people who indeed have their pain, and we respect that pain, but don’t try to control my life or what I do," said Dany Ome, referring to alleged criticism from Otaola for being in favor of traveling to Cuba to sing and vacation.
Otaola responds harshly
Dany Ome's words did not go unnoticed. Alexander Otaola responded sharply this Wednesday, from his YouTube program Hola Ota-Ola, where the influencer questioned the reggaeton artist's family history.
"It’s possible (that I have more money than your mom) because I didn’t marry on the same day I met a political prisoner to process a visa. It’s possible because I have consistent behavior and dedicate the most successful program in the Cuban community to exposing the shamelessness that you prefer to cover up."
Otaola also directly pointed to the artist's mother, Noelia Pedraza, and claimed that she married the Cuban political prisoner Ariel Sigler Amaya on the day she met him, in the Provincial Youth Prison in Villa Clara, because she had a clear interest.
"Are you really going to lecture me on double standards? You? I have the letter from the man who married your mother, and two years after they got married, he made it clear to the world that your mother had absolutely nothing to do with him. Are you going to talk to me about double standards, kid?" she expressed.
Otaola presented a press release, signed in 2010, in which Sigler Amaya publicly denied having a romantic relationship with Noelia Pedraza and asserted that none of the woman's children were his descendants.
“She obtained a visa to the United States by presenting herself as the wife of a political prisoner (...) She, like many people, took advantage of the opposition to gain benefits, in her case the ability to travel and receive asylum in the United States,” the presenter stated.
Otaola directed harsh words at the reggaeton artist, even calling him a coward: "Dany Ome, you have no blood of a brave man in you."
Music without politics
During the same podcast, Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 agreed that their goal is to make music, not politics.
“We are here to make music and through that music elevate Cuba and Cubans,” they stated.
Kevincito, for his part, shared that he maintains strong ties with his family on the island. "I have my dad and all my family on this side in Cuba," he said.
Both musicians defended the right to visit their country of origin and to maintain their emotional ties, rejecting the criticism they often receive for returning to the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Controversy Between Dany Ome and Alexander Otaola
Why does Dany Ome criticize Alexander Otaola?
Dany Ome criticizes Alexander Otaola for believing it is unfair that the influencer has gained more recognition and resources than his mother, Noelia Pedraza, who was a Dama de Blanco in Cuba and stood up against the regime. Dany Ome questions how Otaola, by merely speaking into a microphone, can have more money than his mother, who suffered for her political beliefs on the island.
How did Alexander Otaola respond to Dany Ome's criticism?
Alexander Otaola responded to Dany Ome's criticisms questioning the reggaeton artist's family history, suggesting that his mother took advantage of the opposition for personal gain. Otaola defended his success and his efforts by denouncing what he considers outrageous that others prefer to overlook.
What is Dany Ome's stance on traveling to Cuba?
Dany Ome defends his right to travel to Cuba, stating that his goal is to make music and not politics. Despite the criticisms, the reggaeton artist maintains that he has strong ties with his family on the island and feels good when he visits Cuba.
What is the origin of the conflict between Dany Ome and Alexander Otaola?
The conflict between Dany Ome and Alexander Otaola seems to stem from differing opinions on the role of Cuban artists in the diaspora and their relationship with Cuba. Otaola has been a critic of artists who travel to the island, while Dany Ome defends their right to do so without being judged.
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