Cuban-American Political Consultant Sues Miami-Dade Mayoral Candidate for Defamation
The renowned Cuban-American political consultant, Sasha Tirador, has filed a lawsuit against influencer Alexander Otaola, who is also a candidate for the Miami-Dade mayoral position. The lawsuit alleges acts of defamation that have caused significant damages to Tirador’s professional efforts, amounting to over $50,000.
Complaint Filed in Miami Dade Circuit Court
The four-page complaint was officially filed in a circuit court in Miami Dade. It is based on statements made by Otaola during his program “Hola Ota-Ola” on March 29 and April 5, 2022.
False and Malicious Statements
According to the document obtained by CyberCuba, Otaola made false, meritless, and malicious statements during those dates. These statements were viewed by thousands of people through his program.
Intent to Harm Political Business and Reputation
The lawsuit states that Otaola’s statements misleadingly associated Tirador with the Cuban communist government. It is alleged that Otaola’s intention was to harm Tirador’s political business and damage her reputation.
Damages and Consequences
Tirador claims to have suffered various consequences as a result of the defamatory expressions, including exposure to hateful actions, embarrassment, humiliation, public embarrassment, outrage, mental anguish, and loss of reputation.
Defamatory Statements
Among the defamatory statements mentioned in the lawsuit are phrases such as “this woman [Tirador] has published on its program everything that the Cuban Revolution says,” “repeats the information of the Cuban Revolution, that is, it is the voice of State Security,” and “[she] opened a company that has the same address and all with a guy who has contact with the Cuban government.”
Retraction Offered but Declined
Tirador claims that Otaola was given opportunities to retract his defamatory statements but declined to do so.
Direct Cause of Damages
The lawsuit concludes that the defendant’s defamatory statements are the direct and main cause of the damages suffered by Tirador.
Lawsuit Filed by Rick L Yabor
The lawsuit was filed by Rick L Yabor, Tirador’s legal representative. As of now, a judge has not yet been appointed for the case.
Tirador’s Response
When contacted by CyberCuba, Tirador stated, “I am not going to allow a recycled Fidelista to dirty my family’s last name, including my grandfather’s, who is a Bay of Pigs veteran.”
Family Connection to Bay of Pigs
Tirador’s grandfather, Gabriel Abaya, was a member of the Assault Brigade 2506, which participated in the failed invasion to overthrow the Fidel Castro regime in April 1961.
Escalating Controversy
The controversy between Otaola and Tirador has been escalating through their respective programs on YouTube and social networks, especially after Otaola announced his candidacy for mayor of Miami-Dade.
Otaola’s Response
In response to the reports about the lawsuit, Otaola downplayed it, stating, “What Sasha Tirador is doing is yet another attempt to discredit my campaign… It is yet another tantrum by this menopausal lady in trying to attack my collection, in trying to subtract my followers, something that she and her acolytes have not achieved.” He further added, “I’m not wasting a minute of my time and I’m not going to divert a second from my focus. You are not going to be the person who is going to take away my sleep, nor is it going to take a dollar from my account. This has just begun… See you in court.”
Otaola’s Mayoral Candidacy
Otaola, who immigrated to the United States through the Visa Lottery program in 2003, filed for mayor of Miami-Dade in April. He aims to challenge the incumbent, Daniella Levine-Cava, in the 2024 elections, emphasizing a “hard line” stance against the Cuban regime.
Rally for Donald Trump
Last Tuesday, Otaola led a rally in front of the federal court in Miami to protest the indictment of former President Donald Trump, which he considers an outrage.
Tirador’s Career and Expertise
Tirador, aged 49, has had a long and successful career advising and campaigning for South Florida judges, mayors, elected officials, and congressmen for over two decades. She is also a regular media voice, providing analysis and commentary on local political elections.
