A young Colombian woman has become the center of a viral storm—though not for positive reasons—after sharing a TikTok video criticizing her trip to Cuba. Her comments ignited a flood of responses, particularly from Cubans who found her remarks to be offensive, ignorant, and disparaging. "The people there are super dirty, super filthy," the woman stated in the video. "We supposedly stayed at Cuba's best hotel, and I ended up surviving on coconut water for a week."
The tourist also complained about the lack of connectivity on the island, saying "TikTok doesn't work," and mocked the religious beliefs of Cubans, likening them to practices "from a thousand years ago." This was perceived as an insult to Santería, a religion deeply rooted in Cuban culture. Additionally, she mentioned paying a local guide $20 a day, only to later learn that this equated to a month's wages, using this as further criticism of the country's situation.
Social Media Backlash
Her comments quickly set social media ablaze, prompting reactions from Cubans both on the island and abroad. One of the most shared responses came from a Cuban user (@lidiadiaz1994), who criticized her sharply yet clearly: “I’m surprised you’re so pretty and yet so ignorant. Yes, some people eat from the trash and don’t bathe daily, but that’s out of necessity, not choice. Cuba has been under dictatorship for over 60 years.”
Another Cuban user (@helenmenendez) pointed out that the issue wasn't just what she experienced, but how she expressed it: “She wanted to visit paradise and was faced with a harsh reality. But that doesn’t give her the right to speak that way about people who are struggling.”
Repercussions and Broader Conversations
Following the wave of criticism and negative comments, the Colombian tourist deleted the video from her profile and later closed and blocked her account. However, it was too late: the content had already spread across multiple accounts, and the topic remains a trending subject on TikTok.
The outrage wasn’t limited to Cubans. Many Colombian users also condemned their compatriot's statements. Some even offered public apologies, stating that her views do not represent the majority. This controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the kind of tourism some people engage in, the lack of empathy, and the responsibility that comes with using social media. As one user aptly put it: “A traveler understands. A tourist judges.”
Understanding the Controversy Over Cuba Travel Remarks
What triggered the backlash against the Colombian tourist?
The backlash was triggered by her disparaging comments about Cuba and its people, which many found offensive and disrespectful.
Why did her remarks about Santería cause offense?
Her remarks likened Santería, an important part of Cuban culture, to ancient practices, which was seen as a dismissal of the religion's significance.
How did Cuban users respond to the video?
Cuban users responded with strong criticism, highlighting the harsh realities of life in Cuba and pointing out the tourist's lack of understanding and empathy.
What broader issues did the controversy highlight?
The controversy highlighted issues related to the type of tourism some engage in, the lack of empathy towards different cultures, and the responsibility of using social media wisely.