Flor de Cuba has taken legal action against Alexander Otaola, filing a defamation lawsuit and, together with her attorney Karel Suárez, has publicly unveiled the evidence they have against the Cuban broadcaster. In an interview with Destino Tolk, the influencer shared the impact that Otaola's baseless accusations have had on her personal and professional life over the years.
The attorney explained that they have already sent a notification letter to Otaola, who now has a 30-day period to retract his statements. Failing this, the lawsuit will proceed in court. To support their case, the lawyer pointed out that they have collected videos from Otaola's shows where he allegedly defames Flor de Cuba, which have been crucial in gathering the necessary evidence.
Among the evidence are videos where Otaola accuses Flor de Cuba of collaborating with the State Security and refers to her as a "legal pimp," calling her "Sandro Castro's tube sucker, a matron of prostitution among young Cuban women," and "Sandro Castro's frontwoman."
Suárez elaborated that defamation lawsuits are particularly pertinent when the allegations significantly affect individuals' personal or professional lives. "It's also a cultural issue," Suárez remarked, "where I believe we Cubans haven't fully understood, despite living in the United States, the U.S. laws. There are things you cannot do. Maybe back in Cuba, talking with friends on a street corner, it was okay because there were no defamation laws, but now you're in a country where such laws exist."
Understanding Defamation Lawsuits in the U.S.
What is the main reason behind Flor de Cuba's lawsuit against Otaola?
Flor de Cuba filed the lawsuit due to Otaola's long-standing accusations against her, which she claims are baseless and have negatively impacted her personal and professional life.
What evidence does Flor de Cuba have against Otaola?
The evidence includes videos from Otaola's shows where he purportedly defames Flor de Cuba, making claims about her involvement with the State Security and other defamatory statements.
How does the legal process for defamation work in the U.S.?
Once a defamation lawsuit is filed, the accused party is notified and given a period to retract their statements. If no retraction occurs, the case proceeds to court where evidence is presented.