EJ Obiena calls out 'misleading stories' pitting him against Carlos Yulo
Pole vaulter EJ Obiena called out "misleading stories" that are pitting him against gymnast Carlos Yulo—almost two months since they joined the 2024 Paris Olympics when the latter won historic two golds but was apparently eclipsed by issues surrounding his family.
"It’s a sad state of affairs when stories are fabricated to get clicks and likes and shares," Obiena said in a Facebook post on Oct. 9, including a photo of him fist-bumping with Yulo at the airport as they carried their luggage.
Obiena then wrote a list of five things, which he said is the "only statement" he would make on the issue.
Addressing him as "Caloy," Obiena said he's friends with Yulo "and have been for many years [a]nd for decades to come."
"I don’t compete with my friend Caloy and I deeply respect him," Obiena said. "He is a great champion for our country and I applaud him. I am proud of him. I am thankful for the glory he has brought our country."
In the upper case, Obiena pointed out that he has "never made a single comment" on Yulo's private life.
He noted that he doesn't share much about his own private life and "certainly don’t want outsiders commenting on it," hence he would "never comment on someone else’s personal life."
"Any assertion otherwise is outright libel," Obiena said. "I know when to keep my mouth shut; and when it comes to anyone’s private life this is one of those times."
He urged followers to check his social media accounts to know what he says.
"If some click bait site is making up stories to suck you into the drama, recognize it for what it is. It’s abuse. It’s not journalism," he said.
Wrapping up his post, Obiena said he "shall have no further comment on the matter" as he's "focused on getting ready for the upcoming season."
"Let’s focus on cheering our athletes on, instead of creating false drama to sell advertising space," he said.
Internet users have been comparing Obiena and Yulo online as the latter has become tabloid and social media fodder amid his feud with his mother, which also put his girlfriend in the spotlight.
When Obiena recently renewed his brand ambassadorship for a chocolate drink, social media users claimed without proof that Yulo's endorsement was removed amid his personal issues. Yulo was featured in an ad for the same brand in 2020. He is now the face of another chocolate barley beverage.