The controversy over the withdrawal by Cubavisión of the soap opera featuring Alexander Otaola

A few days ago, the state channel Cubavisión announced through its official Facebook page the withdrawal of the soap opera Violetas de Agua, which was broadcast daily at 2:00 p.m.

According to the statement, the decision is due to "technical reasons," although the announcement has sparked speculation among viewers.

Instead, the channel reported that a musical program titled Cuba es Música will be broadcast, featuring a special concert by singer-songwriter Tony Ávila.

"Don't miss it! Tune in and join us to enjoy great music," stated Cubavisión in their post.

However, the decision has sparked controversy on social media, following the revelation that the telenovela featured the participation of the controversial influencer and opponent of the Cuban regime, Alexander Otaola.

Although Cubavisión has not made an official statement regarding this, Otaola himself reacted on his YouTube program in a sarcastic and critical tone, pointing out what he considered "a demonstration of the mediocrity and censorship" that, according to him, characterizes the official media on the island.

Otaola explained that his character appears from chapter 13 and remains throughout much of the novel, noting that this is the only production he filmed at the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT) before his exile.

"They either have incredibly bad luck or they have nothing left in the Cuban television archives", she remarked with laughter, questioning the lack of filters when selecting the programming.

The influencer criticized the decision, saying: "How afraid they are of my image within the prison island!".

Otaola also mocked the role he played in the novel: "In Violetas de Agua I am an unhappy, shy, introverted character... What harm can that do?"

He also remembered how, during his time working in Cuban television, the content was carefully reviewed before being broadcast, something that, according to him, seems to have been neglected.

Violetas de Agua is a Cuban television production that was part of the repertoire of soap operas produced by the ICRT.

Originally premiered in 2001, with a script by Maité Vera, the novel addresses themes related to family dynamics, personal conflicts, and human relationships, following the traditional thematic line of Cuban telenovelas from that era.

It features a distinguished cast that includes actors such as Dianelis Brito, Armando Tomey, Teresita Rúa, Alberto Pujols, Irela Bravo, and Amarilys Núñez, among others. Many of them have developed their careers outside the island, joining the growing group of Cuban artists who have emigrated in search of new opportunities.

The plot of Violetas de Agua revolves around the challenges faced by several characters as they confront emotional and social dilemmas within the context of a Cuban community.

The cultural journalist Pedro de la Hoz, who passed away in 2024, published a review in 2001 in the official newspaper Granma where he noted that Violetas de Agua lacked depth in its narrative and showed weaknesses in its acting direction.

According to De la Hoz, the novel failed to adequately reflect the social conflicts it aimed to address, remaining at a superficial level that did not do justice to the issues raised.

However, despite not achieving the impact of other iconic Cuban telenovelas, Violetas de Agua has been retransmitted several times on Cubavisión, which has led some critics to point out the limited refreshment of content in the archives of Cuban television.

Frequently Asked Questions about the withdrawal of the soap opera "Violetas de Agua" on Cubavisión