Hasan Piker, widely recognized online as HasanAbi, has canceled his anticipated trip to Cuba over fears of potential legal repercussions in the United States. "I didn't want to go to jail," the prominent American streamer admitted, as reported by the media outlet SportSkeeda. This announcement came as a surprise, given HasanAbi's earlier excitement about visiting the island nation during recent streams.
In a broadcast on the YouTube channel Fear& Clips, HasanAbi shared that the Cuban government, via an intermediary, had offered to solve his internet access issues to ease his visit. This offer starkly contrasts with the daily challenges of millions of Cubans who endure power outages and unreliable internet connections. HasanAbi recalled his previous visit to Cuba on a student visa, during which he filmed a documentary, engaged in street baseball, and experienced life on an urban farm.
"Cuba is amazing. The first time I went, I had a fantastic experience. I even considered returning for May Day," HasanAbi mentioned in the stream, where he also defended Cuba's medical missions against the backdrop of the U.S. embargo. However, he refrained from addressing the repression, poverty, and lack of freedoms plaguing the Cuban populace.
Ultimately, HasanAbi decided against the trip. After being questioned at the border upon returning from France, he grew concerned that a visit to Cuba might be used against him, highlighting the political implications of traveling to a country governed by a regime known for imprisoning dissenters, censoring media, and criminalizing social protests. "I was informed they're well aware of who I am and what I do," he later revealed in a GQ interview, suggesting he might be under federal surveillance.
The Political Landscape and HasanAbi's Commentary
On Socialist Hub, another platform, HasanAbi criticized the U.S. for labeling Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, calling it "cruel and inhumane." He argued that "the U.S. has committed more terrorism against Cuba than Cuba has against any other nation," advocating for the lifting of sanctions and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to the island. While he welcomed the Biden administration's decision to remove Cuba from that list, he cautioned that Donald Trump could easily reverse it, which indeed happened.
With over 2.9 million followers on Twitch, HasanAbi, aged 34, ranks among the world's most influential political streamers. Rolling Stone recently included him in their list of the 25 most influential creators of 2025. His GQ profile describes him as dedicating extensive hours to live news commentary, often criticizing Trump, Israel, and even Democrats, earning adversaries across various spectrums.
Born to a Turkish academic and nephew to the founder of the progressive channel The Young Turks, HasanAbi has cultivated a powerful digital community among young leftists in the United States. His bold, unfiltered, and provocative style has made him a polarizing figure, earning both admiration and animosity.
Cuba and Miami: A Complex Relationship
In his streams, HasanAbi humorously addressed the contrast between Cuba and the Cuban exile community in Miami, acknowledging the potential for backlash. "What worries me aren't the Cubans in Cuba, but the Cubans in Miami," he remarked with irony in Fear& Clips. This comment underscores the ongoing tension that any reference to the island evokes among different Cuban communities, both within Cuba and in exile.
HasanAbi's story highlights the contradictions surrounding Cuba in global perceptions. On one hand, it captivates some progressive sectors with its cultural and political allure; on the other, there is a tangible fear of legal consequences and silence regarding human rights violations. The streamer, who once dreamed of celebrating May Day in Havana, ultimately recognized the risks as too high. This admission reveals the paradox of Cuba: a romantic symbol of resistance to some, yet for others, including many Cubans, synonymous with surveillance, repression, and punishment for dissent.
HasanAbi's Perspectives on Cuba and U.S. Relations
Why did HasanAbi cancel his trip to Cuba?
HasanAbi canceled his trip to Cuba due to concerns over potential legal repercussions in the United States, fearing that his visit might be used against him given the political climate.
What were HasanAbi's views on Cuba's inclusion in the terrorism list?
HasanAbi criticized the U.S. decision to list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, describing it as "cruel and inhumane," and argued for lifting sanctions to allow humanitarian aid.
How does HasanAbi's background influence his streaming content?
HasanAbi's background, being the son of a Turkish academic and nephew to the founder of The Young Turks, influences his progressive and left-leaning content, appealing to young audiences in the U.S.