Carlos Yulo: Philippines gold medalist feuds with mum after win

On social media, fans have called for an end to speculation over Mr Yulo’s personal life, asking to shift attention back to his historic feat in Paris.

Filipino audiences have a penchant for soap operas and gossip, especially when it involves public figures – who they are dating and how they are spending their money.

There is even a local slang for the chief gossip in the neighbourhood or the chat group – Marites, a common name for a Filipina woman.

During the pandemic lockdowns, then president Rodrigo Duterte joked that too much time at home has turned the nation of 115 million people into the “Republic of Marites”.

But in the case of Mr Yulo, media attention has gone too far, said prominent journalism professor Danilo Arao.

“Let us not dilute the outstanding achievements in the 2024 Paris Olympics by reporting on trivial matters that do not carry news values and do not shape public opinion,” Prof Arao told the BBC.

Reporting on family feuds or personal problems of private individuals promotes an “unacceptable culture of voyeurism and rumour-mongering”, he said.

He said coverage of Yulo’s win should instead focus on the challenges facing Filipino athletes because of a lack of state support.

The Yulo family feud has also reignited conversations on social media on the expectations for children, under Filipino culture, to always obey their parents, even if they don’t think that it is to their best interest.

For now, social media users have resumed swapping funny memes about the country’s new sports star.

One disinfectant brand likened Yulo’s charm to its germ-killing power — 99.99% effective. Never mind the 0.01% that do not like him.

For Ms Yulo, she acknowledged that hurtful words have been said, but that they remain a family.

“Our home is open, whether or not you have money, the door is open in case you want to come back,” she said.