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A survey conducted by CiberCuba revealed that 52% of voters believe that the United States should sanction Cuban artists performing on the island, as they consider that their performances benefit the regime in Havana.
The poll, which received more than 3,480 votes in just 7 hours, revealed a clear division of opinions among the participants:
- 52 %: “Yes, if they assist the regime, they must face the consequences.”
- 36 %: “No, art should not be punished.”
- 9 %: "It depends on the case."
The survey results sparked a lively exchange of opinions among users. One of them questioned: “Why is it only the artists that get attention, while nobody talks about the athletes, Major League baseball players, actors, or business people who conduct business with the island? It seems that artists are singled out because they attract more ratings on social media and are legally unprotected,” he commented.
On the other hand, another commented: "Art should neither be political nor have borders, but for that to happen, communists need to abandon their double standards and not use art as a doctrine or veto those who do not share their ideology."
A third party recalled that the regime has continually punished emigrant artists: “Only if Willy Chirino is allowed to sing in Cuba would there be balance.”
The public debate regarding sanctions against Cuban artists was reignited following the request from Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, who called on the Department of the Treasury of the United States to investigate reggaeton artists Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 for their concerts on the island.
According to Díaz-Balart, these events could constitute a violation of sanctions by generating economic income for the Cuban regime. The controversy escalated upon learning that at one of these concerts, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," the grandson of Raúl Castro and head of his personal security, was present.
"Sanctions may include fines, travel bans, and even revoking citizenship processes if there were omissions or lies. There are videos, witnesses, and even the regime itself admitting that these concerts benefit their income," stated the congressman to Telemundo 51.
The controversy arises after Kevincito El 13 denied rumors regarding supposed immigration restrictions. The reggaeton artist explained in a video on Instagram that the pause in his tour in Europe is due to his naturalization process in the United States, and not due to sanctions. “We have no legal or immigration issues,” he affirmed.
For the moment, the legal teams of both artists have chosen not to make official statements until they assess the situation, although a statement is expected in the coming days.
So far, the Department of the Treasury has not confirmed whether it will open a formal investigation. However, the case of Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 has reopened the debate on the boundaries between art and politics, as well as the role of U.S. sanctions in the cultural life of Cubans.
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