Cuban singer Baby Lores has spoken out for the first time in detail about being barred from returning to his homeland by the regime, and candidly addressed his past as a supporter of Castroism—a phase he insists he won't erase or embellish.
In an interview with Telemundo 51 Miami, released on Tuesday, the musician shared that he was urgently traveling from Miami to see his mother, who was in intensive care in Cuba, when he was unexpectedly forced to disembark from the plane moments before takeoff.
The Turning Point in Baby Lores' Political Journey
The conversation led Baby Lores to reflect on one of the most controversial periods of his career: his years of alignment with the Cuban regime and the subsequent political awakening he publicly announced later. The singer described this ideological shift as a "conscious awakening," and when asked if he felt compassion for his younger self from a decade ago, he confirmed that he did.
"Absolutely, I feel a lot of compassion, and if I were to meet that young man from 10 years ago, I would offer him kind advice and remind him that he's a warrior and brave for not giving up," he asserted.
Nonetheless, Baby Lores emphasized that his change of heart doesn't mean he's denying his past actions or trying to present a different version of his history. "I won't change my past or try to embellish it to please anyone," he declared.
A Message to Fellow Artists and Public Figures
Baby Lores also sent a message to artists, athletes, and other public figures who might be going through a similar process and have yet to express their true thoughts publicly. "If you're an artist, an athlete, or someone with followers and a voice that can be heard by many, and you're feeling this way, take the step because you're not alone," he urged.
Understanding the Pain of Exile
Baby Lores' reflection on his past gained particular significance after Cuban authorities prevented him from entering the country while he attempted to visit his hospitalized mother. The musician recounted that he was already seated on the plane when an airline employee approached him to inform him that he needed to disembark. "A young woman from the airline came over and told me they couldn't take off because they had to remove me from the plane due to a call from Cuba denying my entry. I asked for the reason, and she said she didn't know," he recounted.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not provided him with an official explanation for the prohibition. "To this day, I still don't have an official explanation as to why I'm not allowed to enter my country," he stated.
This experience, he claimed, allowed him to understand from a new perspective the suffering of many Cubans who have faced forced separation from their country and families. "It's very tough, and I can now understand much more why the exile of this people is so painful," he reflected. Baby Lores also shared that his mother is stable and improving "quite rapidly" considering the conditions she faced when admitted to intensive care.
A Heartfelt Message to His Mother
Baby Lores concluded the interview with a heartfelt message to his mother, hoping she could see it despite the distance. "I want to tell you that you are a warrior, and don't forget that you also raised us as warriors. This isn't the first battle we've faced and won, and I'm sure, with God's love, I'll soon be able to give you a kiss and a hug somehow. I love you very much," he expressed.
From the Album "Creo" to Distancing from the Regime
His statements carry special weight due to his political past. During his years of proximity to Castroism, Baby Lores released the album "Creo," which included a title track supporting the Cuban system and criticizing the exile. He even had Fidel Castro's face tattooed on his right arm. In June 2017, he covered that tattoo with an owl in Miami, a gesture signaling his public break from the regime. He later participated in several musical projects advocating for freedom in Cuba.
Reactions to Baby Lores' Incident
The incident occurred on October 3 at Miami International Airport when the singer attempted to travel urgently due to his mother's critical health condition. The case sparked numerous reactions, including from Cuban rapper El B, who reminded the public of Baby Lores' pro-Castro past while discussing the incident. El B, a member of Los Aldeanos, used the case to warn those still supporting the Cuban regime that they might face similar decisions: "Tomorrow, you could be Baby Lores."
In response, singer Cándido Fabré also posted a message on Facebook calling for "humanity" from the Cuban government in situations involving family emergencies.
Understanding Baby Lores' Situation
Why was Baby Lores denied entry to Cuba?
Baby Lores was told he could not board the plane due to a call from Cuba denying his entry, but no official reason has been provided to him.
How did Baby Lores' political views change?
Baby Lores described his shift as a "conscious awakening," moving from supporting Castroism to distancing himself from the regime and advocating for freedom in Cuba.
What message did Baby Lores have for other public figures?
He encouraged artists and public figures who feel similarly to speak out, assuring them they are not alone in their journey.