Amid the tributes, condolences, and calls for justice following the death of El Taiger, another issue is gaining traction online: the use of his image in the "Papita Frita" music video. Jorge Junior, leader of Los 4 and El Taiger's cousin, reacted strongly, demanding the image's removal, arguing that the song has no relation to El Taiger. This has sparked widespread debate.
As expected, opinions on social media are divided. Some see it as a genuine tribute, while others view it as an exploitative act, disrespecting El Taiger's memory. Among those voicing their thoughts is Cuban social media user @claudia.piloto8, who questions the significance of the controversy, labeling it as "insignificant and trivial."
She argues that El Taiger himself would not have been bothered by his image in a music video. She recalls that the singer had expressed a desire to be remembered joyfully, enjoying his music: "In an interview, he said he wanted to be remembered singing his songs and dancing." She also noted that artists like Lenier and Tekashi don't need to leverage El Taiger's image for fame or profit. "I don't think Lenier, Tekashi, or Bebeshito need El Taiger to boost their numbers," she stated. Furthermore, she criticized the lack of gratitude when Lenier dedicated a heartfelt song to El Taiger during his hospital battle.
El Taiger's Legacy and the Quest for Justice
@claudia.piloto8 also highlighted El Taiger's reconciliations with various figures in the urban music scene, including his cousin Jorge Junior, emphasizing his forgiving nature. "He made up with Dany Ome," she pointed out, questioning the appropriateness of such controversy surrounding someone "who showed he had a heart of gold and the capacity to forgive."
She stressed that the real issue should be the lack of justice for El Taiger's death, with those responsible still at large. "The main concern was the hospital, now it's justice, and justice hasn't been served," she asserted.
Her comments have resonated with many social media users, with some agreeing that the song is fittingly lively for El Taiger's memory. One user remarked, "I think the same, the song is beautiful and joyful, he would have loved it," while another added, "It's incredible that a forgiving person like him is at the center of this controversy."
Yet, not everyone agrees with @claudia.piloto8's perspective. Some argue that permission should have been sought to use El Taiger's image, especially amid such controversy. "They should have asked for permission to use his image, especially now," commented another user.
Public figures like Otaola and Chocolate have also weighed in, with Chocolate targeting Tekashi, who collaborated with Lenier and Bebeshito on the track, in a diss track.