Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica issued an apology following a wave of reactions to his latest YouTube video about street food in Cuba. The video featured local dishes like pan con lechón, juices, sweets, and ropa vieja. "It breaks my heart to read comments from Cubans saying they've never had the chance to try some of the dishes I showcased," he shared on social media after receiving thousands of emotional and critical messages from the island and the Cuban diaspora.
The video, posted on his YouTube channel, was intended to highlight the culinary richness of Cuba through an informal tour of the streets of Havana. However, what many viewers saw as a curious or touristic experience turned into a poignant reminder for Cubans of the severe shortages they face daily. "What you show should be normal for us, but we can't afford it," was a recurring sentiment in the comments.
Communica admitted to overlooking a crucial context: the struggle millions of Cubans endure to access the foods he featured. Some comments pointed out that in a single day, the influencer sampled more traditional dishes than most Cubans might see in a lifetime. One young woman noted, "I'm Cuban and I've never tasted vaca frita or ropa vieja. In my house, we have ground meat and sausages, and sometimes not even that."
Other stark accounts spoke of retirees unable to buy two loaves of bread with their monthly salary, mothers who only know certain foods from their grandparents' stories, or people who have died due to lack of nourishment. "What is cheap for you costs us half a month's salary," one user lamented. Some confessed that they only discovered the flavors of their own culture after emigrating.
Despite the criticism, many Cubans expressed gratitude for the video as it served to highlight their plight. They praised the influencer's willingness to read the comments, respond empathetically, and avoid deleting uncomfortable messages. Messages of support and solidarity poured in from Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and other countries, along with calls for Luisito to show "the other Cuba," one not featured on tourist routes.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the responsibility content creators have when documenting realities shaped by deep-seated inequality. Although his intention was to celebrate Cuban culture, Luisito inadvertently exposed a system where access to basic necessities, such as food, is limited by a structural crisis. Beyond the dishes and the camera, the video's impact lay in something far deeper: giving a voice to those who often go unheard.
Luisito Comunica apologized and urged everyone to read the comments from Cubans on his video. "From the heart, I want to apologize for being so insensitive about this. My only intention was to elevate Cuban culture, but I failed to mention that these things can be difficult to obtain. Thank you for completing the truth and informing everyone who reads the comments," he expressed in his YouTube comment to apologize.
Understanding the Impact of Luisito Comunica's Video
Why did Luisito Comunica apologize for his video?
Luisito Comunica apologized because his video inadvertently highlighted the severe food shortages in Cuba, which many locals experience daily. He acknowledged being insensitive to these challenges and sought to express his regrets.
How did Cuban viewers react to the video?
Cuban viewers reacted emotionally, sharing personal stories of food scarcity and expressing that the dishes shown in the video are often inaccessible to them due to economic hardships.
What broader issues did Luisito Comunica's video reveal?
The video revealed the systemic issues of inequality and food scarcity in Cuba, where many residents struggle to access basic necessities. It sparked a conversation about the role content creators play in depicting such realities responsibly.