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Independent journalist José Raúl Gallego has suggested that the Mexican influencer Luisito Comunica was authorized by the regime to enter Cuba and present a friendly perspective on his daily life.
“With each new video, Luisito Comunica shows why State Security allowed him to enter Cuba and facilitated his filming,” Gallego stated.
The journalist supports his claim with a video promoting "Cuban tobacco (monopolized by the regime to the detriment of the farmers)" and another where he illustrates "the quality of its cuisine, which has significantly deteriorated."
Luisito Comunica "included advertising for the Hotel Nacional, La Bodeguita del Medio, and El Floridita, featuring the chef of the Hotel Nacional and president of the Culinary Federation discussing 'resistance cuisine,'" adds Gallego.
“But also, each video from Luisito demonstrates that the State Security still has room to maneuver to slip movements of this kind—like Team Asere, Ana de Armas, Norah Jones—into a segment of the regime's critics, because we still haven't acknowledged that their hand is behind all these high-profile events,” lamented the journalist.
Gallego doubts that the YouTuber's videos can contribute to the rise of tourism in Cuba “but at least let them help us continue to open our eyes and understand the scale of the situation in front of us. Someday we will know what was behind all of this,” he concludes.
With over 44 million subscribers on YouTube and reports covering much of the world, Luisito Comunica has published a series of videos from his trip to Cuba that have sparked controversy.
Although many initially praised him for showcasing images of a country "trapped in time", some of Luisito's videos in Cuba have drawn criticism for echoing a narrative close to the regime.
After the video dedicated to Cuban cuisine – referenced by Gallego – for example, the influencer was compelled to apologize publicly.
"It breaks my heart to read comments from Cubans telling me that they have never been able to try some of the dishes I showcase," she expressed on her social media, after receiving thousands of touching and critical messages from both the island and the exile.
The video aimed to highlight the culinary richness of Cuba through an informal tour of the streets of Havana. However, what was seen as a curious or tourist experience by many viewers became a reminder for Cubans themselves of the deep shortages they face daily. "What you’re showing should be normal for us, but we can’t afford it," was one of the most recurring messages.
Also, figures from civil society such as the rapper El B have expressed open indignation regarding Luisito's trip, as they believe the report only serves Castro's propaganda.
On his Instagram, the singer shared some verses in which he lashes out against the dictatorship in Cuba and the content creator: “Luisito, it’s been 66 years of the same thing—ruin at every corner, building socialism with the tale of idealism and resistance, romanticizing misery and decay. There’s no such blockade that you mention; there are trade relations with 138 countries. Don’t let those who rob with both hands use you while blocking the progress and freedom of Cubans. They took you to the only painted bodega.”
On his YouTube channel, the first video of Luisito Comunica about his trip to Cuba has surpassed eight million views.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luisito Comunica's Visit to Cuba
Why is Luisito Comunica being criticized for his trip to Cuba?
Criticism of Luisito Comunica revolves around the notion that his content may be used as propaganda by the Cuban regime. Some believe that his videos present a biased perspective that does not accurately reflect the true living conditions of Cubans. Journalist José Raúl Gallego and figures like the rapper El B have expressed that his content could serve the interests of the dictatorship by romanticizing the situation in Cuba.
How has Luisito Comunica responded to criticism regarding his content in Cuba?
Luisito Comunica has publicly apologized after receiving criticism for not showing the context of scarcity in Cuba. He acknowledged that omitting the difficult economic reality was a mistake and expressed his willingness to listen to and learn from the comments of Cubans. He emphasized his intention to uplift Cuban culture and promised that his videos will serve as a platform for the voices of Cubans living that reality.
Was Luisito Comunica authorized by the Cuban regime to record on the island?
The independent journalist José Raúl Gallego suggests that Luisito Comunica was authorized by the regime to film in Cuba. According to Gallego, state security allowed him to enter the country and record videos that, in his view, portray a favorable image of the regime. However, this is an officially unconfirmed claim, but it reflects the perception of some critics regarding the control of foreign content on the island.
What impact have Luisito Comunica's videos had on Cuba?
Luisito Comunica's videos about Cuba have generated a significant impact and controversy on social media. They have been viewed by millions of people and have sparked a debate about the Cuban reality, eliciting both gratitude and criticism. They have helped to shed light on the situation on the island, showcasing aspects of daily life that are not always apparent to those living outside of Cuba.
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