Cuban actress Belissa Cruz has claimed that she faced death threats following her appearance in a contentious advertisement for electric generators in Cuba, which sparked significant backlash on social media.
The commercial, which aired in February 2025, promoted a solar panel-powered generator from a small private company operating on the island. It was portrayed as an alternative to combat the frequent and lengthy power outages impacting millions of Cubans. However, many saw the ad as mocking the severe energy crisis gripping the nation.
In the video, Cruz acknowledged the public's frustration and exhaustion, but concluded by suggesting that the solution was not to protest or shout in the streets, but rather to "buy a generator," a comment that triggered a storm of criticism. Many social media users found the message to be insensitive and disconnected from the economic realities faced by the average Cuban citizen.
During an interview with La Familia Cubana, a group she is also affiliated with, the actress disclosed that both she and her son received threats following the ad's release. She approached this challenging period with composure, choosing to ignore the criticisms while becoming more self-assured.
"People can say what they want, but I am a strong person," Cruz stated confidently.
The actress admitted that she authored the script for the advertisement, but emphasized that her words were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
"I never intended to mock anyone with that commercial. Opportunists took it and twisted it to fit their own narrative, not the one I intended," she explained.
Belissa, who was recently seen actively participating in humanitarian aid efforts for those affected by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, defended her choice to continue her professional relationship with the company. "I kept working with them because all the generators sold out," she stated.
Reflecting on her controversial commercial, she added, "I didn't want to mock anyone because I've experienced power outages too, cooling my son with a cardboard fan. It was just a way to draw attention, and it worked, albeit negatively, but the generators sold," she concluded.
In the interview, she also shared insights into various phases of her personal and professional life.
Insights on Belissa Cruz's Controversial Generator Ad
Why did Belissa Cruz face backlash for the generator ad?
Cruz received backlash because many interpreted her suggestion to buy a generator as mocking the severe energy crisis in Cuba, rather than addressing the real economic struggles of the population.
How did Belissa Cruz respond to the threats?
Cruz addressed the threats with calmness, choosing to ignore the criticisms while reaffirming her self-confidence and continuing her work with the company involved in the ad.
What was the intended message of the generator ad?
Cruz intended the ad to offer an alternative solution to power outages without mocking anyone, aiming to capture attention and highlight the product.