Cuban presenter Alexander Otaola offered his unfiltered perspective on the results of the Miss Universe Cuba 2025 pageant, addressing some of the criticisms that have circulated on social media against the winner, Lina Luaces, who is the niece of Emilio and Gloria Estefan and the daughter of presenter Lili Estefan.
In El Mañanero, Otaola responded to those who claim that the Estefans bought the contest: “What are they going to buy? That mess, that disgusting swamp in Hialeah that had four ugly ones, four lowlifes, and four limpers, and the only one who was classy was the little one,” he said, referring to the general standard of the contestants.
Without expressing a personal preference for Luaces, Otaola was emphatic in stating that, compared to the other participants, her performance was superior. He also compared the new queen to the previous Cuban representative, Marianela Ancheta, whom he criticized with insults and offenses.
“Between Marianela Ancheta and Lina, which of the two is more prepared, which of the two has more potential, which of the two will the press seek out more? Lina, obviously,” he stated.
For Otaola, the mere association of the Estefan surname with the contest is already an added value: “Just the fact that the Estefan surname is related to the competition is already giving the contest more than what it can offer them”, he said.
He was also clear in stating that Lina did not face any real competition during the event. According to him, Mía Dio was the only one with real possibilities, but "she froze that night, faded away, the stage swallowed her up."
Regarding the criticisms that Lina does not speak Spanish fluently or has never lived in Cuba, the host was straightforward: Although she doesn't speak Spanish, the contest in Thailand will be in English, a language she masters perfectly. And the fact that she has never waited in line in Cuba is not something he considers relevant, because in Thailand, they will not be asking her about waiting lines for chicken.
Otaola concluded that, from a strategic point of view, Luaces has a competitive profile: “She is a young lady who comes well-prepared, accustomed to the entertainment world, knows the cameras, and the cameras know her. Most likely, don’t be surprised, this young lady will make it to the top 5. She may not win, but she can be in the top 5,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lina Luaces and Miss Universe Cuba 2025
Why has Lina Luaces been a controversial choice for Miss Universe Cuba 2025?
Lina Luaces has been a controversial choice due to her family connections with influential figures in the entertainment industry, such as Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Furthermore, she has faced criticism for not having lived in Cuba and for not speaking Spanish fluently. However, her preparation and performance in the competition have been highlighted by some, like Alexander Otaola, who noted that her association with the Estefan surname adds value to the pageant, beyond what her participation might offer them.
How has Lina Luaces responded to the criticism regarding her lack of connection with Cuba?
Lina Luaces has faced criticism by stating that her surname can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, but she has worked hard to prove her worth. She has expressed that she feels more Cuban than American, due to the values she was raised with, and she has highlighted her efforts to reconnect with the Spanish language, despite the challenges.
What was Alexander Otaola's opinion on Miss Universe Cuba 2025?
Alexander Otaola stated that Lina Luaces was the best choice among the participants of Miss Universe Cuba 2025, emphasizing that her performance was superior to the others. Otaola also dismissed the criticisms regarding the alleged purchase of the contest by the Estefan family and highlighted that Lina Luaces has a competitive profile and is accustomed to the entertainment world.
What preparation does Lina Luaces have to represent Cuba in Miss Universe 2025?
Lina Luaces has been involved in the world of entertainment and fashion since she was 15, which has equipped her to handle media pressure. Despite criticism regarding her limited command of Spanish, she has worked to improve her fluency in the language and is continuing her studies in English, as the international competition will be held in Thailand, where English will be the main language.
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