A University of Pennsylvania student, Eliana Atienza, has recently made headlines after claiming she was left “homeless” when administrators kicked her off campus for participating in an anti-Israel encampment. However, it has come to light that Atienza comes from a wealthy Filipino family, with her father, Kim Atienza, being a prominent media personality in the Philippines.
Atienza, 19, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that she had nobody to turn to for help in the US after being removed from campus in early May. Despite her claims of being destitute, it has been revealed that her mother, Felicia Atienza, graduated from the Wharton Business School and has held prestigious positions as the president and CEO of several international schools.
The Atienza family is known for flaunting their wealth on social media, showcasing their extravagant lifestyle with posts of their extensive motorcycle collection, first-class flights with private showers and caviar service, and mingling with celebrities. Atienza herself has documented her travels to exotic locations such as Antarctica, Alaska, and Paris on social media, painting a picture of a life of luxury and privilege.
However, Atienza’s situation took a turn when she was one of six students suspended from campus on May 9 for participating in an anti-Israel encampment that was protesting Israel and its conflict with Hamas. The encampment, which had taken up a campus green, was eventually disbanded by police the following day.
Atienza was involved in negotiations with school administrators regarding the demonstrators’ demands for the university to divest from any investments connected to Israel. She is also a member of Fossil Free Penn, a group advocating for the school to divest from fossil fuel companies, who co-signed a letter in support of Palestinians fighting against the Israeli Occupation.
Despite her family’s wealth and resources, Atienza claimed in an interview with KYW Newsradio that she had been left without any support after being kicked off campus. “I don’t have any family to go back home to here,” she stated.
Atienza has not responded to requests for comment on the situation. The revelation of her family’s wealth has sparked debate and criticism online, with many questioning the authenticity of her claims of being homeless and in need of assistance.
The story of Eliana Atienza sheds light on the complexities of privilege and activism, raising questions about the intersection of wealth, social justice, and personal responsibility. As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in all aspects of public discourse.