The Audiovisual Company of Festivities with Live Shows "El Divino de Cuba" announced the cancellation of a performance by a young artist, scheduled for this Saturday, November 16, at the Café Cantante Mi Habana, located in the National Theater of Cuba.
According to a statement from "El Divino de Cuba," published on their social media, the decision was made following a wave of criticism and comments on social media regarding the "political-ideological stance" of Osmany Pimentel Valdés, the artist in question.
Pimentel, who has ventured into cabaret, dance, and voice acting, and has received accolades such as "Mister Azúcar 2023" and "Mister Babalu Islands 2024," was included in the show due to the "interest in diversifying the artistic offerings to cater to a wide audience," said the company.
In the statement, the company asserted that it was previously unaware of the artist's political stance and emphasized that its policy is solely focused on art, without considering ideological issues when scheduling its performances.
"Our policy is to create art," the document emphasized, adding that its mission is to offer inclusive aesthetic proposals and promote an environment free from prejudice and discrimination.
However, despite that reasoning, they decided to remove the young man's presentation from the schedule, stating that it is “to avoid misunderstandings and preserve the artistic essence of the event.”
"We look forward to seeing all of you at our Divine Nights," the statement concluded, reiterating their invitation to the public.
The measure has sparked divided opinions. While some view the decision as wise in order to avoid tension, others criticize it as what they see as an act of censorship, in a country where achieving balance and ensuring neutral artistic spaces appears to be a very complex issue.
Criticism of Selective Censorship in Cuba
The activist Kiriam Gutiérrez Pérez, known for her fight for LGBTIQ+ rights and her critical stance against the Cuban regime, expressed her outrage at what she described as a double standard in cultural censorship.
"Censorship in Cuba is selective. Once again, we have another example that here it seems the memory and censorship of the decision-makers and the rest of the authoritarian class is shifting," stated Gutiérrez Pérez on his social media.
She denounced that she has been repeatedly censored for denouncing, defending, and supporting her people and community, as well as for dissenting from the regime. "I am censored for refusing to remain silent, for being Kiriam Gutiérrez Pérez even in the cruelest of political and human repressions, enduring violations of my right to work with dignity," she stated.
Gutiérrez Pérez compared his situation to that of Osmany Pimentel, who, despite his critical stance towards the Castro regime, was scheduled to perform in the show. He questioned, "I suppose I can start working again now, right? And earn my money to put a plate of food in my mother's hands."
Response from Osmany Pimentel
Amid the controversy, Osmany Pimentel himself announced that, due to the situation at hand, he decided to voluntarily withdraw from the show, a statement that contradicts the position expressed by the entertainment company.
In a message addressed to Gutiérrez Pérez, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the consequences this discussion has had on his personal and professional life.
"Due to your post, I am withdrawing from tomorrow's show, which was dedicated to my mother, whom I haven’t seen in nearly two years due to my heavy work schedule, and she longed to see me perform," Pimentel emphasized, highlighting the sacrifices made to carry out the presentation, from paying the dancers and designing costumes to the time dedicated to rehearsing.
The artist questioned Gutiérrez Pérez about the impact of their statements: "Now I ask you: what did you achieve other than preventing me from performing? Are you going to get a job? Are you going to do the same to the other girls who live off of drag? Nothing. I hope you're happy."
Filed under: