Genry Almenarez, who goes by "El Titán de Cuba" on social media, starkly reveals the kind of spokespersons promoted by the Cuban regime both inside and outside the island: individuals who blend political propaganda with a harsh, exclusionary, and overtly violent rhetoric.
Having lived in the United States for over 20 years, Almenarez has become a fervent promoter of the official Cuban narrative, while simultaneously leveraging the freedoms provided by the US to advocate for a system that suppresses those very liberties in Cuba.
Recently, the influencer joined the “Mi Firma por la Patria” campaign, initiated by the Cuban Communist Party (PCC), urging Cubans globally to back an initiative criticized for alleged coercion in workplaces and communities. Yet, Almenarez's activism extends beyond mere propaganda.
In a live broadcast, Almenarez went further by openly applauding the beating of Cuban wrestler Javier Ernesto Martín Gutiérrez, known as “Spiderman,” by State Security forces. Instead of condemning the violence, he mocked and justified it, clearly supporting the Cuban state's repressive actions that have, over 67 years, inflicted suffering, curtailed lives, and silenced thousands of Cubans and their families through incarceration, exile, and ostracism.
Almenarez's Aggressive Rhetoric
The tone he employs is no accident. His discourse is filled with insults, derogatory remarks, and homophobic slurs targeted at activists, opponents, and critical members of the Cuban diaspora. This rhetoric not only degrades public debate but also mirrors the regime's political culture: dehumanizing adversaries to legitimize attacks against them.
Far from being a fringe figure, Almenarez has been highlighted and promoted in spaces favorable to the regime. He was featured on the propagandistic program “Chapeando Bajito,” hosted by official journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet, as “a very original YouTuber” who denounces supposed “inciters of violence.” He has also participated in initiatives like the International Patria Colloquium, a significant event within the regime's communication apparatus.
Connections with Cuban Leadership
His proximity to the regime's leadership is evident in pictures showing him alongside Miguel Díaz-Canel, Manuel Marrero Cruz, Roberto Morales Ojeda, and Lis Cuesta Peraza in meetings that are far from coincidental. Independent reports suggest that he has traveled to Cuba multiple times, meeting with Communist Party officials, reinforcing his role as an advocate of the official narrative.
Meanwhile, regime-affiliated media like Cubainformación portray him as “the voice of the Cuban emigration” and part of a “trench against the media war,” validating his role within the regime's digital strategy.
Living in Contradiction
All of this unfolds while Almenarez resides in the United States, a situation that adds a particularly sensitive dimension. From US soil, he not only openly defends an authoritarian government but also justifies violence against citizens exercising their right to dissent in Cuba.
In this context, it is worth recalling that under President Donald Trump, measures were taken against individuals linked to adversarial regimes or actively promoting their interests. Cases involving actors associated with governments like Venezuela, Nicaragua, or Iran have resulted in sanctions, immigration restrictions, or status reviews.
Without drawing direct parallels, Almenarez's activities pose a legitimate question: to what extent is it acceptable for someone residing in the United States to use that platform to promote and justify the repressive practices of a foreign regime?
This question gains even more weight when considering the contradiction between the Cuban regime's official discourse —which emphasizes concepts like “love” and “peace”— and the promotion of figures like “El Titán de Cuba,” who use verbal aggression, homophobia, and mockery of violence as their main communicative tools.
More than just a controversial influencer, Almenarez symbolizes a broader strategy: utilizing voices within the diaspora to amplify the regime's message, even when that message involves normalizing repression. And this, inevitably, extends beyond the realm of social media.
Understanding Almenarez's Influence and Impact
Who is Genry Almenarez, also known as "El Titán de Cuba"?
Genry Almenarez, or "El Titán de Cuba," is a social media influencer based in the United States who promotes the Cuban regime's rhetoric, blending political propaganda with aggressive and violent language.
What is the “Mi Firma por la Patria” campaign?
The “Mi Firma por la Patria” campaign is an initiative by the Cuban Communist Party encouraging support from Cubans worldwide, criticized for alleged coercion tactics in workplaces and communities.
How is Almenarez connected to the Cuban regime?
Almenarez is closely linked to the regime, having been featured in regime-friendly media and participating in official events. He is also seen in photos with Cuban leaders, reinforcing his alignment with the regime's narrative.