Comedian Andy Vázquez responded to critics, often referred to as "ciberclarias," who criticized him for rejoicing over the unexpected defeat of boxer Julio César La Cruz by another Cuban at the Paris Olympics.
Andy shared a photo on his Facebook wall showing the Sunday match between "La Sombra" and Cuban-Azerbaijani Loren Berto Alfonso at the moment Alfonso delivered a powerful right hook to the double Olympic champion.
"Scream now!" Andy wrote, referencing La Cruz's actions during the Tokyo 2020 Games, when after defeating compatriot Enmanuel Reyes Pla, who had become a Spanish national, he shouted, "Patria y Vida, no! Patria o Muerte, venceremos!"
"What a hit from Patria y Vida. What do my clarias say now?" the comedian mocked. In a live Facebook stream, he explained that many defenders of the regime were unhappy with his mockery of "the slaps" La Cruz received from another Cuban nationalized abroad, whom he sarcastically called "a traitor."
"Look at the arms on that other Cuban; that's real food, that's beef, not the ground meat or plantains they give those people in Cerro Pelado," he commented.
The creator of Facundo Correcto reminisced about how many former Cuban athletes who brought glory to the country have ended up, highlighting the case of ex-volleyball player Abel Sarmientos, who died this month in Havana at the age of 61, mired in poverty and neglect.
"They tell me not to mock because we are the ones who mock. Yes, we are happy that [La Cruz] lost to another free Cuban. Don't mix politics with sports? Tell that to the jerk," he concluded.
Andy Vázquez's Controversial Comments on Julio César La Cruz's Defeat
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the recent comments made by comedian Andy Vázquez about the defeat of boxer Julio César La Cruz.
Why did Andy Vázquez mock Julio César La Cruz's defeat?
Andy Vázquez mocked Julio César La Cruz's defeat as a form of political commentary. He criticized La Cruz for his previous statements supporting the Cuban regime and celebrated his loss to another Cuban athlete who had left the country.
What did Andy Vázquez say about the food given to athletes in Cuba?
Andy Vázquez commented that the Cuban athletes receive inadequate food like ground meat and plantains, contrasting it with the better nutrition of athletes who have left Cuba, like the one who defeated La Cruz.
Who is Abel Sarmientos and why was he mentioned?
Abel Sarmientos was a former Cuban volleyball player who died in poverty and neglect in Havana. Andy Vázquez mentioned him to highlight the plight of many former Cuban athletes who are forgotten despite their contributions to the country.