After returning to Cuba, actor Alejandro Cuervo shared his thoughts on his stay in the United States with the show La Familia Cubana. His visit was not without controversy and received significant scrutiny on social media. Speaking from José Martí International Airport, Cuervo openly criticized the work of content creators, stating, "They make things up without any evidence."
Cuervo accused certain influencers and digital media outlets from the Cuban exile community of spreading falsehoods about his personal and professional life. "There are claims about me having an accident, and incorrect prices on products from my businesses... It's all baseless and untrue attempts to tarnish my reputation," he emphasized.
He perceived this behavior as deeply malicious, likening it to a "100-meter dash to find flaws that don't exist." Cuervo expressed surprise at what he described as a hostile environment towards freedom of thought, even among those who claim to champion democracy. "It's incredible, the hatred. They don't want to hear another perspective," he remarked.
As an example, Alejandro cited the Dominican YouTuber Destino Tolk’s show, where artists like him, who refuse to echo the "Cuban exile discourse in Miami," are labeled as communists. "They get offended, see us as enemies just for listening to anyone's voice. True freedom is about expressing my feelings and beliefs, then you draw your own conclusions," he argued.
Despite his criticisms, Cuervo acknowledged the affection, respect, and admiration he received from many Cubans on the streets, for which he was grateful: "I felt loved as if I were in Cuba," he assured. During his trip, which included stops in Miami and New York, he was interviewed by journalist Javier Díaz, reiterating that his visit was not politically motivated nor linked to the Cuban government.
"In Cuba, no one tells me what to say. I know perfectly well what I should and shouldn't say. However, when I arrived in the United States, I was met with an ultimatum: 'Say it, or you're my enemy,'" he questioned. The actor, criticized by exile sectors for his statements and conciliatory stance towards the dictatorship, denied any ties to the regime and attributed his business successes to his own efforts. "Yes, you can move forward in Cuba," he asserted on Destino Tolk, a statement that sparked further questioning.
Despite the backlash, Cuervo shared moments of enjoyment from his time in the U.S. on social media, including attending a Broadway musical. When asked upon his return if he plans to visit the United States again soon, he ambiguously replied, "God will decide." His return underscores his earlier statement that he has no intention of staying away from Cuba. However, the controversy surrounding his visit—and his words—will likely continue to fuel the debate on the role of Cuban artists amid the island's polarized political landscape and the exile community.
Insights on Alejandro Cuervo's U.S. Visit
Why did Alejandro Cuervo criticize content creators in the U.S.?
Alejandro Cuervo criticized content creators for fabricating stories about his personal and professional life without evidence, which he believes were aimed at damaging his reputation.
What was the public's reaction to Cuervo's visit to the U.S.?
While Cuervo faced criticism from certain sectors, he also received affection and admiration from many Cubans he encountered on the streets during his visit.
How did Alejandro Cuervo describe the attitude towards freedom of thought in the U.S.?
Cuervo expressed surprise at what he perceived as a hostile environment towards freedom of thought, noting that some in the U.S. were unwilling to listen to different perspectives.