The mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Jorge Masvidal openly discussed the reasons that have prevented him from visiting Cuba, despite being the son of a Cuban.
In a recent interview for the YouTube channel Sin Guantes Podcast, Masvidal discussed the personal reasons behind his decision not to visit Cuba, expressing his rejection of the regime and recounting the traumatic experiences endured by his loved ones upon leaving the island.
Masvidal began by explaining that his father risked his life to emigrate to the United States as a rafter and instilled in him from a young age the idea of not visiting Cuba until the regime changes.
"My dad had always told me, since I was little, not to go until the government changed. I always respected that. I said, 'Okay, you literally risked your life to come here to the United States. You don’t want me to spend a dime on that government.' It’s clear, and I have never gone," Masvidal confessed.
The fighter mentioned that one of his aunts was mutilated after escaping from Cuba, crossing a minefield in Caimanera to enter the Guantanamo Naval Base.
He criticized the communist government for how, during its decades in power, it has negatively impacted Cuban society to the extent that many professionals abandon their careers, and some women are forced to turn to prostitution to survive and support their families due to the economic collapse.
Masvidal expressed regret that some Americans, drawn by the low prices in the regime's hotels, overlook the crisis and dare to travel. "That's why all these people from the United States want to go to Cuba. They love it because everything is so cheap, as the economy is devastated."
The Cuban-American fighter explained how strong family narratives have shaped his perception of his father's homeland. He also sent a message to figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, asking for assistance for the Cuban people. "Send Starlink, Wi-Fi at least, something to them. Those people suffer daily."
Masvidal not only expressed his critical stance towards the Cuban regime but also demonstrated his solidarity with a people suffering the consequences of economic crisis and the repression of communism.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jorge Masvidal and His Stance on Cuba
Why hasn’t Jorge Masvidal visited Cuba?
Jorge Masvidal has not visited Cuba due to his rejection of the Cuban regime and in honor of his family's traumatic experiences when leaving the island. His parents instilled in him from a young age the belief that he should not visit Cuba while the regime remains unchanged, and he has chosen to respect those wishes.
What family experiences influenced Masvidal's decision not to travel to Cuba?
The traumatic experiences of his family, such as his father's imprisonment in Cuba and the risks his mother took when emigrating to the United States, significantly influenced Masvidal's decision not to travel to Cuba. Additionally, accounts from other relatives regarding the restrictions and hardships on the island reinforced his critical stance toward the regime.
What is Jorge Masvidal's stance on tourism in Cuba?
Jorge Masvidal criticizes Americans who travel to Cuba drawn by low prices without considering the economic and social crisis affecting the Cuban people. He regrets that tourism to the island indirectly supports the regime, while ignoring the hardships faced by Cubans.
What message did Jorge Masvidal send to figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk?
Masvidal sent a message to figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, asking for help for the Cuban people. He specifically requested the installation of technology like Starlink to improve internet access on the island and alleviate some of the suffering they face daily due to repression and the economic crisis.
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