The Republican congressman Mario Díaz-Balart formally requested the U.S. Department of the Treasury to investigate the Cuban reggaeton artists Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13, following their recent performances in Cuba, where they allegedly may have violated sanctions imposed on the Havana regime.
The request arose following the dissemination of videos and images showing the artists performing at a concert on the island, which was attended by Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," the grandson of Raúl Castro and head of his personal security detail. According to Díaz-Balart, such events could generate economic benefits for the regime, which is prohibited by U.S. legislation.
“Sanctions can include fines, travel bans, and even much more. Visas can be denied or citizenship processes reversed if there were omissions or lies. And in this case, there are many videos, witnesses, and the regime itself stating that these concerts help their revenue,” declared the congressman in an interview with Telemundo 51.
The news has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, particularly among members of the Cuban community in exile. Many users support the investigation and demand exemplary sanctions for the artists, while others criticize the measure, claiming that it serves political interests or constitutes censorship of art.
This controversy arises just days after Kevincito El 13 denied rumors about supposed immigration restrictions that would have affected his travels. In a video posted on Instagram, he clarified that the tour in Europe with Dany Ome was not canceled, but postponed due to his naturalization process in the United States.
“Two months ago, I applied for citizenship and one should not leave the country during that process. We have no legal or immigration issues,” the artist stated, dismissing speculation linking him to sanctions or bans due to his concerts in Cuba.
According to Telemundo 51, the legal teams of both reggaeton artists have stated that, for now, they will not issue official statements while they evaluate the situation, although they did anticipate that they will speak publicly at the appropriate time.
So far, the Department of the Treasury has not confirmed whether it will initiate a formal investigation. However, Díaz-Balart's request has reignited the debate about the relationship between art, politics, and sanctions in the Cuban context, where music remains a space filled with ideological tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the investigation of Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 regarding their concerts in Cuba
Why does Mario Díaz-Balart ask to investigate Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13?
Mario Díaz-Balart has requested an investigation into Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 because their recent concerts in Cuba may have violated U.S. sanctions by generating economic benefits for the Cuban regime. The presence of figures such as Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro at these events raises suspicions about the nature of the activities and their economic impact in favor of the regime.
What sanctions could Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 face?
The sanctions could include fines, travel bans to the United States, and even the rejection of visas or citizenship processes if violations of the current regulations are proven. U.S. law is strict regarding activities that may benefit the Cuban regime, especially when it comes to public events such as concerts.
What is the stance of Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 regarding the accusations?
Until now, the legal team of Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 has decided not to issue official statements while they assess the situation. Kevincito El 13 has denied having any legal or immigration issues and has attributed the pause in his tour to his naturalization process in the United States, not to the allegations related to Cuba.
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