In a candid revelation on the podcast "This Is What It Is," Cuban actress Yasbell Rodríguez shared that she has been capturing semi-nude photographs of herself for decades, a practice she began during her teenage years. For Rodríguez, these images hold significant personal and familial meaning.
"I've been taking semi-nude photos since I was 15. Yes, many of them are on social media," the actress disclosed during a conversation with Dayrán Perdomo and his partner on the show.
Rather than viewing this as exhibitionism, Rodríguez offers a deeply emotional explanation for her actions: she aims to honor the women in her family who never had the freedom to live life on their own terms.
"These are women who have longed for love, who perhaps wished to bare themselves and embrace life differently. I undress for them, to honor the legendary status of all the women who came before me," she said, referring to her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother, who all faced life alone.
Having lived in Miami for three years, Rodríguez elaborated on her comfort with her body, saying, "I'm literally naked 24/7. I sleep naked. I enjoy nudity. I could easily be nude on camera, anywhere," clarifying that her choice is not driven by financial reasons or adult content creation.
During the same episode, Rodríguez divulged more personal stories. She discussed her first marriage to actor Dantes Cardoso, a relationship that spanned over five years and ended when, as she put it, "the glass was full."
"I was worried that sometimes I felt like his mother, that he was my fifth child," she explained, citing concerns about his maturity and attitude, along with her desire to become a mother, which he wasn't ready for.
Rodríguez also recounted a relationship with a bisexual man she discovered with another male partner, describing this experience as traumatic and impactful on her future relationships.
Moreover, she admitted to infidelity in a past relationship, attributing it to her unhappiness: "I'm not the type to pretend innocence; I own up to my actions," she confessed with her usual straightforwardness.
Professional Journey and New Beginnings
On the professional front, Rodríguez reflected on her career since moving to Miami in May 2023, highlighting her stint at Univista TV and her subsequent firing in April 2024 following a commercial shoot for a competing medical clinic.
Currently working as an independent actress, content creator, and brand promoter, she is also developing two new projects: a book and a theatrical production. "I'm not an influencer; I'm an actress who simply expanded her skills upon arriving in this city," she concluded.
Exploring Yasbell Rodríguez's Impact and Insights
What motivated Yasbell Rodríguez to start taking semi-nude photos?
Yasbell Rodríguez began taking semi-nude photos as a tribute to the women in her family who couldn't live freely. She sees it as a way to honor their legacy and express personal freedom.
How did Yasbell Rodríguez describe her previous marriage?
Rodríguez described her first marriage to actor Dantes Cardoso as a relationship where she often felt like a caregiver. Concerns over maturity and differing desires about parenthood led to their separation.
What are Yasbell Rodríguez's current professional endeavors?
Currently, Yasbell Rodríguez is working independently as an actress, content creator, and brand promoter. She is also working on a book and a theater project.