Cuban influencer Pollito Tropical, whose real name is Randy Álvarez, took to Instagram this Monday to express his apologies to those who were offended by his remarks on depression during an appearance on the Agostini Podcast.
"I want to come here one last time to apologize to those who felt offended by a positive message I intended to give," the content creator stated in the video.
The controversy stemmed from a snippet of his participation in episode 78 of the Agostini Podcast, released in August. In it, Pollito Tropical expressed confusion over how anyone could find time to be depressed, calling the notion "the stupidest thing I hear these days."
During the same interview, the influencer offered a simplistic solution: "Nothing to do? Get up and run, go to the beach, visit a forest, take a walk, or have a coffee alone."
Additional comments in the clip sparked further outrage: "It's all mental; get out of that depressed state, start running, exercise, buy a punching bag and hit it to see how your depression vanishes."
In his apology video, Pollito Tropical claimed that the circulated excerpt "is not the original video" and was "taken out of context." He admitted that perhaps his choice of words was not ideal: "If you felt offended because I might not have used the correct words... I sincerely apologize."
The influencer also shared, for the first time, his own experience with a difficult period: "I went through it... it was a low point in my life where I never want to return, but I had the ability to seek help and get out of it because it was very unpleasant."
He concluded the video by urging those in similar situations to seek assistance: "Always seek help if you lack the capacity, strength, or will to get out of there. That's my advice."
A strong response to the original clip came from Venezuelan psychologist Alberto Barradas: "Being busy doesn't immunize anyone against depression. And that's precisely why many cases go unnoticed, because they don't fit the image we expect," he stated.
Barradas also debunked the notion of exercise as a cure-all: "If depression could be cured by running, marathon runners would be immune, and they are not. Depression is a serious issue that deserves serious attention."
The reaction from Pollito Tropical's followers to his apology was mixed. While some defended him, arguing that his words were taken out of context or that the audience is overly sensitive, others pointed out that his original comments perpetuate stigma and blame those suffering from the illness.
This controversy is part of a broader discussion about the responsibility of content creators when addressing mental health topics with large audiences, especially within the Hispanic community, where a cultural stigma often reduces mental disorders to "lack of will" or "laziness."
Debate on Mental Health Responsibility Among Influencers
Why did Pollito Tropical apologize?
Pollito Tropical apologized because his comments on depression, made during an interview, offended many people. He intended to convey a positive message but acknowledged that his choice of words might not have been appropriate.
What was the reaction to Pollito Tropical's comments?
The reaction was mixed. Some followers defended him, claiming his words were taken out of context, while others criticized him for reinforcing stigma and blaming individuals with depression.
What did psychologist Alberto Barradas say about the comments?
Alberto Barradas criticized the notion that staying busy prevents depression and argued that exercise is not a cure for depression, citing that even marathon runners can suffer from it.