A Cuban living abroad, known on TikTok as @un_cubanito_mas_enelyuma, has sparked controversy on social media after posting a passionate video in defense of Lina Luaces, the newly crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025, who has faced criticism due to her family background and life outside the island.
In his speech, the TikToker lashes out at those who question Luaces' "Cubanness" for not having stood in lines at stores, struggled for a gas canister, or grown up in Cuba under the rationing system. With irony and anger, the user poses questions such as:
"Since when has it been a requirement for a beauty pageant to have had breakfast with sugar water, participated in pioneer guard, or planted a moringa sapling in the yard?"
The phrase has gone viral among those who believe that Cuba's representation in international competitions should not be measured by the suffering experienced on the island.
The choice of Lina Luaces has been surrounded by criticism. Many users have questioned whether her connection to the entertainment world, as Lili Estefan's daughter and niece of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, was decisive for her victory.
Others have even suggested that the young woman, who is more proficient in English than in Spanish and has grown up away from the everyday hardships of the island, cannot represent the “average Cuban.”
In response to this, the TikToker criticized the double standards of those who judge without considering the standards of the international competition:
"People, they evaluate those women even on how they pee. Can you imagine if the winner has to go to Ross to buy three outfits to compete in Miss Universe?"
And he condemned those who, from economic hardship, mock or question the legitimacy of the contest:
“I am amazed by people who criticize while owing rent and not being able to buy a new car. Most of them can’t even participate in a beauty contest even if they pay.”
The creator's message went viral on TikTok, further polarizing a conversation that was already filled with mixed emotions. While some celebrate his clarity and bravery, others accuse him of classism and being disconnected from the reality of millions of Cubans.
In the midst of it all, Lina Luaces is preparing to represent Cuba at Miss Universe 2025, which will be held on November 21 in Thailand. Standing at 1.80 m, with a career on the runways since she was 15 and a life under media scrutiny, the young woman has stated that she is ready to face the pressure:
“I learned that I had to look in the mirror and say who I am. Because when you know who you are, you have already won,” she recently stated.
Her crowning as Miss Universe Cuba, only the second since the country's return to the international contest after 57 years of absence, continues to raise uncomfortable questions:
Who represents Cuba today? From where is that representation built? And how much does a surname or lived history weigh?
Frequently asked questions about the controversial election of Lina Luaces as Miss Universe Cuba 2025
Why has Lina Luaces's election as Miss Universe Cuba 2025 been so controversial?
The selection of Lina Luaces has been controversial primarily because she was not born in Cuba and her connection to a well-known entertainment family has sparked criticism about whether her victory was truly deserved. Furthermore, her proficiency in English over Spanish and her life outside the island have led some to question her ability to represent the average Cuban.
What arguments have been put forward in defense of Lina Luaces?
Defenders of Lina Luaces have argued that Cuban identity is not measured by place of birth, but rather by the emotional and cultural connection to the country. Furthermore, they highlight her training, her experience on international runways, and her ability to handle media pressure as factors that make her a worthy representative in the Miss Universe pageant.
How has Lina Luaces responded to the criticism regarding her selection as Miss Universe Cuba?
Lina Luaces ha respondido a las críticas con firmeza, afirmando que She knows who she is, and that's enough to feel like a winner. También ha expresado su orgullo por sus raíces cubanas y su deseo de representar a Cuba con dignidad en el certamen internacional, destacando que su apellido puede ser visto tanto como una ventaja como una desventaja.
What has been the reaction of the Cuban public to Lina Luaces' election?
The reaction from the Cuban public has been divided. While some support Lina Luaces and appreciate her preparation and emotional connection to Cuba, others criticize her choice, arguing that she does not authentically represent the average Cuban due to her life outside the island.
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