Carlos Yulo, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is currently trending on X (formerly known as Twitter) after a controversial TikTok video featuring his siblings, Karl Jahrel Eldrew and Elaiza Andriel Yulo, surfaced online. The video, uploaded by their friend Josimhae, has drawn heavy criticism from netizens who accused the siblings of mocking Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The TikTok video, which has since been deleted, showcased Karl and Elaiza participating in the “zombie trend,” a popular trend on the platform. However, many viewers were outraged by their interpretation, claiming that instead of mimicking zombies, the siblings appeared to be mocking individuals with disabilities. This sparked widespread condemnation from the public, with many criticizing their actions as insensitive and disrespectful.
The backlash intensified, especially because of the siblings’ connection to Carlos Yulo, who is well-known for his achievements in gymnastics and for representing the Philippines on the global stage. Netizens expressed disappointment, not just with Karl and Elaiza, but also with their upbringing, questioning how they were raised. Several comments suggested that the Yulo family’s values were being called into question, with some claiming that the siblings’ behavior reflected poorly on their parents.
Amid the controversy, discussions about Carlos Yulo’s reportedly strained relationship with his family have resurfaced. While specific details about his personal life remain private, rumors have circulated for some time that Carlos may have distanced himself from his family due to personal reasons. This issue has added fuel to the fire, with some netizens speculating that Carlos’ detachment from his family could be linked to his siblings’ behavior.
I'm just glad caloy left this kind of family. Tangina may mga sapak sa utak amputa… https://t.co/LWyd7buhYY
— jasmine || little bit ia rn 📚📝 (@pjwoonchalant) September 23, 2024
The now-deleted video has been shared widely across various social media platforms, despite efforts to remove it. The public outrage continues to grow, with many demanding an apology from the Yulo siblings and their friend, Josimhae, for their offensive portrayal of PWDs. As of now, neither Karl nor Elaiza has issued a public statement addressing the controversy, further aggravating the situation.
This incident has cast a shadow over Carlos Yulo’s family, with many hoping that the siblings will take responsibility for their actions and use this moment to reflect on the harm caused by their insensitive behavior.