Last Monday, content creator Madame Lewis (@soraylewisguilart) took to TikTok with a nearly five-minute video, candidly expressing her "deep disappointment" in Cuban men. She describes this sentiment as something that's been "stuck in her throat for days," and she could no longer hold it back.
Recorded while waiting for a train, the video begins with a blunt statement: "I always held Cuban men in high regard: a man of values, a man of principle, a hardworking provider for his family. What happened in recent years?"
Her answer to this question is unequivocal: she claims that Cuban men have become what she terms "princesos." According to Madame Lewis, these men spend their days on social media "gossiping like old women," contributing nothing constructive, while women shoulder the economic and social burdens.
"You see them not wanting to lend a hand in any situation, in anything. All you see is them flaunting Louis Vuitton, clowning around, and bragging on social media," she states in the video.
The Absence of Men in Cuba's Daily Struggles
One of her harshest criticisms targets the lack of male presence during Cuba's everyday crises. "What firmament's star do you belong to? Women are the stars. Which firmament are you from, when every time a block is closed due to no water or there's a heated situation with the police, it's women who are present?" she asks with clear frustration.
Rising Gender Violence Concerns
Madame Lewis also highlights the increase in gender violence as part of her disappointment: "To make matters worse, they're now killing women. It's a constant on the networks. They killed one in Santiago, another in Havana... here in Cuba, they're murdering women in senseless crimes of passion."
The grim backdrop is well-documented. Cuba has recorded 21 femicides so far in 2026, with 17 additional attempted murders confirmed by May 4th, according to independent observatories OGAT and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba.
In 2025, these same organizations documented 48 femicides on the island, with 83.3% of cases committed by partners or ex-partners of the victims. The Cuban regime does not publish official statistics on femicides, leaving these independent records as the only available source, while the government claims not to keep count.
Madame Lewis's video adds fuel to a gender debate that's been active for months on TikTok, among Cubans on the island and in the diaspora. In February, @arielito.oficial sparked controversy by rejecting the label "princeso," dividing the online community.
In September 2025, a young Cuban woman went viral after responding to sexist comments about seeking women ten years younger, a dynamic frequently seen on these platforms.
Madame Lewis wrapped up her video with a touch of irony that sums up her stance: "I don't know what we women are going to have to do. We might have to order men from Amazon, specifying the characteristics of the men we want, because I don't understand any of this."
Understanding the Gender Dynamics in Cuba
What is Madame Lewis's main criticism of Cuban men?
Madame Lewis criticizes Cuban men for their perceived lack of values and responsibility, particularly highlighting their increased focus on social media and lack of support during everyday crises in Cuba.
How are Cuban women portrayed in Madame Lewis's video?
Cuban women are portrayed as the resilient and active participants in addressing societal and economic challenges, often stepping up where men are perceived to be absent.
What data is presented about femicides in Cuba?
The article cites data from independent observatories OGAT and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba, noting 21 femicides in 2026 and 48 in 2025, with a significant percentage committed by current or former partners.