This Saturday, Cuba's National Television devoted a segment of its Evening News to debunking a rumor about an alleged distribution of $1,100 per person at hotels across the country following Hurricane Melissa.
The broadcast referenced an official statement from the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), which labeled the information "completely false" and urged citizens and media outlets to refrain from spreading misleading content that could cause confusion.
In an unusually stern tone, the official report included a warning message. "These publications aim to create unrest and come from individuals who profit and mock the Cuban people's reality. They do so even with senseless arguments," the presenter remarked.
Government's Stance on Ignacio Giménez
This marks the first occasion the Cuban Television News has publicly addressed Ignacio Giménez, albeit without naming him directly. He is described as a "fantasy figure," a person who spreads lies to sow discord and confusion among the population.
"This rumor and other fantastical statements from the same figure suggest some psychiatric or psychological condition leading him to lie about absurd topics. Hence, when faced with news like the monetary gifts in hotels promoted by him, it's better to question or ignore the source," the presenter commented.
The Cuban government perceives him as a rumor monger, a provocateur, and an unstable character. They seek to undermine his credibility through ridicule and public stigmatization, yet they avoid mentioning his name to prevent giving him notoriety.
Masses Gather at Hotels for Nonexistent Cash Aid
Early on Saturday, hundreds of citizens gathered outside state-run hotels, convinced they would receive the financial aid promised by Giménez the previous week.
The Spanish influencer is notorious on social media for spreading falsehoods about Cuba, including the fictitious death of Raúl Castro, which he has openly admitted to fabricating.
Regarding the aid, he claimed that starting at 8:00 am on Saturday, there would be "yellow-shirted teams" at hotels distributing funds to anyone with their ID card, and state television would cover the event.
The entirely false news quickly spread through Facebook and WhatsApp groups, causing crowds to form and forcing the Ministry of Tourism to issue an urgent statement to refute the information.
Giménez Responds, Boasts About Rumor's Impact
Hours after the official denial, Ignacio Giménez responded on his Facebook account, stating, "The end justifies the means... Let's see if the third time's the charm and some learn to locate me. I'm in an imaginative and non-conformist opposition seeking unexplored paths because the known ones offer no solution."
His comments confirm his intent to provoke and manipulate public attention, regardless of the social consequences of the rumor.
This incident highlights not only the desperation prevailing in Cuba but also the fragility of official communication, where the regime's lack of transparency and information censorship foster an environment ripe for misinformation to spread, deceiving a populace weary from scarcity, hunger, and hopelessness.
FAQs on the Cuban Hotel Aid Rumor
What was the $1,100 hotel rumor in Cuba about?
The rumor claimed that $1,100 would be distributed to individuals at Cuban hotels following Hurricane Melissa, which was debunked by the Ministry of Tourism as false information.
Who is Ignacio Giménez?
Ignacio Giménez is a Spanish influencer known for spreading false information about Cuba, including rumors of financial aid and other misleading claims.
How did the Cuban government respond to the rumor?
The Cuban government, through its national television, debunked the rumor and criticized the spread of such misinformation, warning against its potential to cause unrest.