The actor Alejandro Cuervo has firmly responded to the criticism he has received for his visit to Miami, questioning why many who remained silent in Cuba are now asking him to speak.
In extensive and forceful statements made to journalist Javier Díaz from Univisión 23, Cuervo expressed his frustration over the controversy sparked by his arrival in the United States and questioned why some émigrés are now demanding that he say and do what many of them did not dare to say and do while living in Cuba.
"Aren't we in the land of freedom? Why can't I, he, or she have a different stance? Listening, conversing, and dialoguing—those things that have been criticized for not happening in Cuba all this time," the actor objected, defending his right to express himself without being attacked for having a different opinion.
Evasive tone and defensive discourse
During the interview, Cuervo was questioned about the existence of political prisoners in Cuba, to which he responded: “There are many clear things in Cuba. It’s a question whose answer we all know. I am aware of the things that have happened.”
Cuervo opts for a strategy of containment: he acknowledges the situation in Cuba but does not want to commit. Although he admits that "things have happened," he avoids directly mentioning political prisoners, which reflects a cautious and evasive tone.
This nuance fits into his overall discourse, focused on avoiding open confrontations with the Cuban government.
His defense revolves around a logic of personal and family self-preservation.
Alejandro Cuervo defends himself with the argument that he should not bear responsibilities that, he claims, many of those who now criticize him from exile also failed to take on.
“For me, it's not an option to risk freedom”, he also said; a phrase that clearly conveys his stance: that of an artist who is not willing to jeopardize his well-being.
“Why are you asking me to do something that could affect me? The only reason you look good is perhaps because of all these influencers here, who are constantly attacking artists from Cuba, is by going against the system directly from there. This is something that many of them didn’t do, that almost none did while living there.”, he stated, making a clear reference to figures in exile who demand from outside what they did not confront while living on the island.
“So why are you asking me? Why is it normal for you from here that I do what you didn't have the courage to do? That's very easy. And we all know the situation in Cuba is terrible, but there have to be people who stay there,” he insisted, justifying his decision to remain in the country and avoid any actions that could put him at risk.
At another point in the interview, as previously mentioned in earlier days, the actor emphasized that his priority is his family and his career.
“I am an artist who has done nothing else in my life but work, for my family, because I love my work,” he said, adding that he will not make decisions that could harm him.
Cuervo also expressed his discomfort with the attitude of certain emigrants who, according to him, seek to impose their narratives and pressure him to take political stances upon his arrival in the United States.
In Cuba, no one tells me what I have to say. I know perfectly well what I have, what I can say, and what I should not say; I know that because I understand the circumstances and where I live and how my country works. However, I arrive in the United States and I'm greeted with a slogan: say it or you're my enemy,” he stated.
However, the actor assured that he is not affected by the criticism and that he has been well received in Miami, where he has been seen socializing with friends and enjoying social activities.
On social media he posted images of himself boating, attending concerts, and celebrating with acquaintances.
He was also spotted at a concert by El Niño y La Verdad at the Flamingo Theater Bar, where he was enthusiastically welcomed by several fans, and in a video surrounded by friends, hugs, and toasts.
Cuervo does not intend to emigrate and announced that he will return to Cuba in the coming days.
Her presence in the United States, where she arrived on a tourist visa, has reopened the debate about the public stance of artists living on the island who, when traveling abroad, are confronted by an increasingly demanding exile community regarding political neutrality.
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