In the midst of the Cuban regime's call to "defend" state journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet following the uproar over her comments on José Martí and electricity, fellow state media personality Oliver Zamora Oria lashed out on social media this Wednesday against her critics.
"They're lacking dignity and guts," Zamora declared in a fiery Facebook post, condemning those who have criticized Rodríguez and labeling them as "vermin" and "haters" who fail to "target the true culprits of the nation's misfortunes."
Zamora, who serves as RT en Español's correspondent in Havana and is a frequent advocate for the Castro regime's propaganda, expressed feeling "paralyzed and touched" by the outpouring of support for Rodríguez, whom he described as "a professional mother who gave me life."
"You either love Arleen Rodríguez Derivet or you love her, and if you can't manage that, then you either don't know her or you're the one with the problem," the state journalist wrote, in a message aligned with the official media's campaign to control the scandal tarnishing one of its prominent figures' reputations.
In his post, Zamora accused critics of "resurfacing an interview from months ago" and twisting Rodríguez's words to "attack a consistent woman."
He also accused Cubans who criticize her of cowardice for not confronting—according to him—U.S. politicians like Marco Rubio, María Elvira Salazar, or Carlos Giménez.
"Since they're missing the guts or whatever they have between their legs to point out the real culprits of our woes, they find it easier to shoot at a decent woman," Zamora expressed in his post, brimming with insults and visceral tone.
Both Zamora and Rodríguez have faced backlash on social media after images emerged of them enjoying stays in Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin, reigniting the debate over the privileges of state media figures amidst widespread poverty in Cuba.
Zamora's outburst comes as state media attempts to rally around Arleen Rodríguez, who, in an interview, justified the island's blackouts by claiming José Martí was a genius and never had electricity.
This Tuesday, Rodríguez broke her silence, asserting that she "never quoted Martí" during the controversial interview with former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa.
Rodríguez stated that the phrase was "said offhandedly" and that she has already issued a public apology.
The regime has transformed the incident into a "defense of the revolution" campaign on social media, coinciding with José Martí's birth anniversary and the official celebration of the March of the Torches.
Several state media outlets and government spokespersons have labeled the criticism of Rodríguez as part of a "discrediting operation promoted from abroad."
However, Zamora's own comments—laden with sexist, aggressive language and disdain toward dissidents—have sparked further adverse reactions, even among Cubans who once sympathized with state media.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arleen Rodríguez Controversy
What did Arleen Rodríguez say about José Martí and electricity?
Arleen Rodríguez suggested in an interview that José Martí was a genius who never had electricity, which she used to justify the blackouts in Cuba.
How did Oliver Zamora respond to the criticism of Rodríguez?
Oliver Zamora defended Arleen Rodríguez in a passionate Facebook post, criticizing her detractors as lacking dignity and attacking them for not addressing the real issues in Cuba.
What has been the public reaction to Zamora's defense of Rodríguez?
Zamora's defense, filled with aggressive and sexist language, has led to further backlash, even from Cubans who previously supported the state media.