The Spanish actress, singer, and director Beatriz Luengo reacted with indignation and hurt to the statements made by actor and supporter of the Cuban regime, Willy Toledo, who launched an attack on social media against her husband, Cuban singer Yotuel Romero, following the release of the documentary Patria y Vida.
The work, directed by Luengo and featuring Yotuel, recounts the persecution faced by the artist in Cuba due to the song of the same name, an anthem against the Cuban regime that gained international recognition. It was created collaboratively with Gente de Zona, Descemer Bueno, and the Cuban rappers Maykel Osorbo (imprisoned since May 2021) and El Funky.
In a message on his social media, Toledo described Yotuel as "the archetype of a person who would sell his child for three coins." These words sparked a wave of criticism on social media and a strong response from Luengo.
In a video posted on her Instagram profile, the documentary director expressed her outrage and pain: "I can't take it anymore," she began, tears streaming down her face, as she labeled her compatriot's words as an "aberration."
"No one is going to sell my son because he is a being of light, and his parents are here to fight for him with love and effort," Luengo stated in his live broadcast, clearly moved.
Additionally, he criticized the decision of some Spanish media outlets to amplify Toledo's comments while barely covering the premiere of the documentary he directed, which has received acclaim from both the audience and specialized critics.
"I feel unprotected because the media is echoing such a nasty defamation," the singer emphasized.
In her message, the artist also criticized Toledo's behavior, accusing him of being a "dictator" who tries to impose his way of thinking. However, she reaffirmed her commitment to freedom: "I am free and I fight for the freedom of others."
Toledo's statements polarized public opinion, with some supporting Luengo and others questioning the media exposure of his family. However, the episode once again highlighted the impact of "Patria y Vida" and the context of repression in Cuba that the documentary denounces.
Beatriz concluded her message with a strong: "Thank you, Mr. Toledo, because your words only reaffirm our struggle for freedom and truth."
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