Celia Cruz, globally known as the "Queen of Salsa" and "The Guarachera of Cuba," is remembered not only for her unparalleled talent and charisma but also for her strong stance on natural beauty and her rejection of cosmetic surgery.
One of Celia's main reasons for avoiding the operating room was her fear of surgeries.
"I am afraid of the blade and anesthesia. Anesthesia is cold and not good for the skin," she said in a 1995 interview with Colombian journalist Ernesto Mc Causland, clearly expressing her rejection of aesthetic procedures.
The singer advocated for natural aging and believed that artificial youth was meaningless.
"How would a rejuvenated face be of any use to me if my hands reveal the passage of time?" she questioned then.
"I have always been ugly... and the public has accepted me that way," she confessed with striking honesty, in words that reflect the peace she had with her own image and the value she placed on her talent above her physical appearance.
Celia, however, also expressed that she did not criticize those who chose to undergo cosmetic surgeries.
"That's why they have created those beauty methods," she acknowledged, "but for me, definitely not."
In an industry dominated by the obsession with the perfect image and eternal youth, Celia Cruz never succumbed to the pressure of cosmetic surgery. For her, true beauty lay in her essence and in her connection with her audience, transcending any physical standards.
From her early years on stage, she made it clear that she didn't need any enhancements to feel fulfilled. Her authenticity captivated her audience, who admired her not for her appearance, but for the energy and genuineness she radiated.
The artist, also known for her iconic wigs and unique style, always maintained that beauty is a matter of presence and personality, rather than physical appearance.
Her stance on aging without cosmetic enhancements is highlighted by many of her followers, who admire her authenticity and strength as a woman in an environment where superficiality often prevails.
In 2021, the Peruvian-Venezuelan singer Karina sparked controversy among Celia’s fans when she referred to her during a television interview as one of the ugliest women she had ever seen.
Although her comment was deemed harsh, Karina emphasized that Celia Cruz's greatness lay not in her appearance, but in her ability to connect with the audience.
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