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Despite the fact that two weeks have already passed since the episode of the soap opera Sábados de gloria aired, which subtly depicts the beginning of a polyamorous relationship between the characters Paloma, Eduardo, and Javier, the debate on social media reminds us that this genre has always stirred public reaction.
What some see as a legitimate and courageous representation of non-traditional ways of loving, others view as a moral scandal, a "sewage," or even a forced "agenda" on national television.
Reactions have been swift: from conservative stances calling for child protection to others that celebrate the narrative maturity of Cuban audiovisual works.
The actress Ary Fonseca, who portrays Paloma, spoke out shortly after the airing on her social media. In a lengthy and thoughtful post, she defended the work of the creative team and addressed the criticisms from a respectful, yet firm perspective.
“This scene was well taken care of by the direction and the team, subtle, delicate, without vulgarities, showing what is real and what DOES happen among adults,” wrote Fonseca.
It also drew attention to the adult responsibility of contextualizing these contents for children, emphasizing that this is neither the only subplot of the novel nor the most "dangerous" in terms of values.
On his part, the critic Frank Padrón, in his column published on May 2, compared the social reaction to other recent controversies on Cuban television — such as the kisses between men in the previous soap opera Renacer — and defended the right of art to represent life as it is, without imposed moral judgments.
"I do not consider it inappropriate at all that [...] the Cuban telenovela has to renounce the [realities] that exist today," he stated, demystifying the idea that depicting emotional diversity is synonymous with imposing it.
As often happens with soap operas, a debate arose.
Social media has become a battleground of opinions.
While some internet users praised the bravery of the creative team and advocated for a more inclusive and conscious education—“we must respect that there are other forms of family”—others expressed their displeasure with comments ranging from childlike concern to accusations of “promoting decadence.”
In response to the criticism that this content is not suitable for the Cuban family, many others recall that novels with similar plots have existed before —such as Doña Flor y sus dos maridos— without provoking the same level of rejection.
The most relevant angle today is no longer the scene itself, but the ongoing debate questioning whether it is a genuine opening towards new representations or merely a stress test of the boundaries of television tolerance
Far from fading away, the echo of the love triangle scene has sparked a larger conversation about representation, education, censorship, and freedom. Sábados de gloria has shown that soap operas not only entertain but can also serve as a cultural barometer, a mirror —as Stendhal said— of life itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Social Debate in the Cuban Telenovela "Sábados de gloria"
Why has the scene from the soap opera "Sábados de gloria" generated so much controversy in Cuba?
The scene from the telenovela "Sábados de gloria" that depicts the beginning of a polyamorous relationship has sparked controversy as some view it as a legitimate representation of non-traditional forms of love, while others see it as a moral scandal or a forced agenda on Cuban television.
What position has actress Ari Fonseca taken regarding the controversy surrounding the telenovela?
The actress Ari Fonseca, who plays Paloma, has defended the scene by arguing that it was carefully handled by the direction and the team, and that it represents what truly happens between adults. She has also emphasized the importance of contextualizing this content for children.
How has the social reaction to "Sábados de gloria" compared with other Cuban television productions?
The critic Frank Padrón has compared the current social reaction to previous controversies, such as the kisses between men in the novel "Renacer". He defends the right of art to represent life as it is and criticizes the imposition of moral teachings in Cuban television.
What role do telenovelas play in the cultural and social debate in Cuba?
Soap operas in Cuba not only entertain but also serve as cultural barometers, reflecting and sparking debates on issues such as representation, education, censorship, and freedom of expression.
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