Chloe San Jose, the girlfriend of two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, garnered mixed reactions after refusing a media interview upon their return to the Philippines on August 13. The couple had just arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City from a chartered Philippine Airlines flight from Dubai following Yulo’s successful campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In a video widely circulated on social media, Chloe was seen smiling and taking selfies with fans who came to greet the Philippine delegation. However, when approached by GMA 7 news anchor Mariz Umali for an interview, Chloe politely declined, saying, “Ay sorry, wag na mag-interview.” Umali respected her decision, responding, “Huwag na daw, and we respect that,” to which Chloe apologized again.
Chloe’s refusal comes amid ongoing public scrutiny, particularly after headlines emerged about her involvement in a dispute between Carlos and his mother, Angelica Yulo. She has been criticized online, with some accusing her of overshadowing the gymnast by accompanying him to events as if she were an athlete herself.
Netizens were divided in their reactions. Some applauded Chloe for maintaining her stance against media interviews, believing it was a way to keep the focus on Carlos. Others, however, found her refusal to engage with the press disrespectful, particularly towards Mariz Umali, who was simply trying to gather a brief statement.