Hi, I'm sorry for asking an unpleasant question.
So, when Javi commented about Yuzu's Olympic SP, his said things along the line that he doesn't believe there was a hole on ice, and even if there was, that's a problem but not an excuse. I don't know what to think right now. It's troubling becuase, for years I've been firmly believing that Javi and Yuzu cares about and supports each other, but Javi outright contradicted the explaination given by Yuzu on TV. I can't think of why Javi of all people would think about Yuzu like that.
If it's okay for you, may I ask what you think about Javi's comment? I've read your fanfics for Yuzu and Javi and I feel like you love both of them a lot, and I really need some opinions on this matter from people who know and care about them both.
Quite frankly and there is no easy way of saying this, I'm really disappointed in him.
But at the same time, not entirely surprised either. Javi's foot in mouth syndrome is on par with Patrick's (arguably worse since I think Mr. Chan has learned to restrain himself post-retirement) and he has a damning tendency to say whatever is on his mind without considering how the words he says will affect others. (Basically, the opposite of Yuzuru, who is indisputably the king of tact.)
Even if they aren't friends and they don't seem to be in the traditional sense of what you and I might think friendship is, they have both repeatedly communicated to each other how much respect they have for each other. Javi signed his frickin iPhone and had many comforting words to offer for Yuzuru. This is why we were all (even those who are not the biggest fans of Javi) a bit shocked when he snubbed Yuzuru's work ethic on national broadcast without confirming the details of what had happened. Even if you're not close friends, that's a dickish move. And he of all people, having spent many years training with Yuzuru, having been an eyewitness in seeing him go from promising young talent to global superstar status, knows how delicately a line Yuzuru has to walk in order to be poised and not ripped apart by media who would eagerly drag him as much as they would crown him. (Veteran fans will remember he was part of Yuzuru's conspiracy to keep his serious injury under wraps during the entire season leading up to Pyeongchang.)
I don't think he did it to be mean (and who knows what sort of circumstances he might have had to contend with prior to that particular interview. Maybe this was some weird way to provide more critical commentary instead of the effusive praise he had previously been giving Yuzuru. It’s tough to maintain objectivity when someone you’re friendly with. But this is speculation which I will avoid delving into because speculation is just speculation). At the end of the day, I do think it was careless and unprofessional and I hope he realizes that and sincerely reflects on it. Because careless words hurt, perhaps even more than purposeful ones because they are coming from someone who we don't expect. He's not just a retired skater anymore but a commentator and regarded expert in his country that is largely ignorant of the sport. He has a responsibility to fact-check and be measured in his speech even if it goes against his loose-tongued nature.
Every fs fan dealing with this news will react differently. There will be many who will cancel Javi entirely, those who will be torn with indecision, and those who will stan him quietly to avoid being dogpiled by a vocal minority of fans, and those who won't care. All reactions are valid. Except for dogpiling. Don't do that.
After having some time to reflect on this, I still am fond of Javi, even if my feelings towards him have considerably cooled after this event. If that makes me a hypocrite, then so be it. But I refuse to let this taint my feelings about the person he was during their training and rivalry years together. At the same time, I realize this is a sensitive time for a lot of people, myself included. So I'm taking a break. And when I'm ready, I'll return to writing again. With a heavier heart perhaps, but one in knowing that the characters I write about do not possess the same flaws as the real-life counterparts from which I draw inspiration.
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