Independent journalist José Raúl Gallego has posed the idea that Mexican influencer Luisito Comunica was granted entry into Cuba with the aim of portraying a favorable image of the country's daily life. "Every new video by Luisito Comunica illustrates why the Cuban State Security permitted his entrance and facilitated his video projects," Gallego stated.
Gallego bases his claims on content where Luisito promotes "Cuban tobacco (controlled by the regime at the expense of local farmers)" and another where he highlights "the severely degraded culinary quality." Luisito Comunica has also featured promotions for iconic spots like the Hotel Nacional, La Bodeguita del Medio, and El Floridita, with the chef of Hotel Nacional and president of the Culinary Federation discussing 'resistance cooking,' Gallego added.
Furthermore, Gallego expressed concern over how each of Luisito's videos demonstrates the State Security's ability to infiltrate a segment of the regime's critics through high-profile events styled like Team Asere, Ana de Armas, and Norah Jones. "We still fail to recognize that their influence is behind these prominent events," lamented the journalist.
While Gallego doubts the videos will significantly boost tourism in Cuba, he suggests they might at least help open eyes to the reality of the regime's reach. "Someday, we will uncover what was truly behind all this," he concluded.
With an impressive following of over 44 million subscribers on YouTube, Luisito Comunica has published a series of videos from his trip to Cuba, stirring controversy. Initially praised for showcasing a country "frozen in time," his videos have also faced criticism for echoing narratives sympathetic to the regime.
Following a video focused on Cuban cuisine, as mentioned by Gallego, the influencer issued a public apology. "It breaks my heart to read comments from Cubans saying they've never been able to taste some of the dishes I show," he expressed on social media after receiving numerous heartfelt and critical messages from both the island and the Cuban diaspora.
The video aimed to celebrate Cuban culinary diversity through an informal tour of Havana's streets. However, for many Cubans, this was a stark reminder of the severe shortages they face daily. "What you show should be normal for us, but we can't afford it," was a common sentiment among viewers.
Civil society figures, such as rapper El B, have also openly criticized Luisito's visit, arguing that his report merely serves the regime's propaganda. On his Instagram, the artist shared verses condemning both the Cuban dictatorship and the content creator: "Luisito, it's been 66 years of the same; every corner is a ruin building socialism with tales of idealism and resistance, romanticizing misery and decay. There's no blockade as you say; there are commercial relations with 138 countries. Don't let those who rob with both hands and block progress and Cuban freedom use you. They took you to the only freshly painted shop."
On his YouTube channel, the first video from Luisito Comunica's Cuban journey has garnered over eight million views.
Understanding Luisito Comunica's Impact on Cuban Perception
Why is Luisito Comunica's visit to Cuba controversial?
Luisito Comunica's visit is controversial because his videos are perceived as portraying a narrative that aligns with the Cuban regime, potentially glossing over the hardships faced by the local population.
What criticism has Luisito Comunica faced regarding his Cuban videos?
Luisito has been criticized for showing a skewed view of Cuba that ignores the challenges experienced by ordinary Cubans, particularly in terms of food scarcity and economic struggles.
How has Luisito Comunica responded to the backlash from his videos?
He has publicly apologized, expressing regret over comments from Cubans who have never had access to some of the foods he displayed, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.