The Cuban Gino Montalvo became the center of controversy once again on the Dominican reality show Planeta Alofoke after contestant Anthony Peguero, known as "Liguita," threw the phrase "go back to your country" at him during a segment of the program, sparking a wave of outrage among followers and the Cuban community abroad.
From Gino's account, they shared the moment with the description: "I am the center of their content, a bunch of bland individuals."
The clip garnered over 80,000 views, 11,527 "likes," and 870 comments within just a few hours, with hundreds of users labeling Liguita's comment as xenophobia and demanding sanctions against the production.
"When Liguita said 'Go back to your country,' it is no longer content but a racist and xenophobic comment," wrote a follower addressing Santiago Matías.
Another user was more direct: "Telling someone 'go back to your country' is disrespectful. Respect knows no nationality. Today it was a Cuban, tomorrow it could be anyone. This is xenophobia and it should not be allowed."
Indignation was widespread: Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans united under the hashtag #TeamGino to demand punishments and elevate the Cuban to the top of the ranking.
"Since day one, it has been everyone against him for no reason," wrote a comment.
The irony of the moment did not go unnoticed by many: while Liguita held the ninth position in the ranking with only 36,231 points as of May 20, Gino was leading the chart with 134,740 points, ahead of Carlos Montesquieu (132,948) and Nacho Estrella (129,997).
"The content of everyone. Without Gino, there is no planet," summarized a follower.
This is not the first time that the Cuban faces adversities on the program. Santiago Matías himself, the creator of the format, questioned live whether Gino deserved the top spot in the ranking.
Despite everything, the Cuban artist —drag queen and impersonator based in Miami, known for his impersonations of Shakira and Beyoncé— made a comeback and once again took the lead in the competition, which offers a grand prize of 250,000 dollars and lasts for 55 days.
The followers are now demanding that the hosts take concrete measures against Liguita during the next prime time for his comment.
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