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The Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac publicly defended his colleague Geonel Martín, known for his character Gustavito, following the controversy generated by his statements about happiness in Cuba. In a Facebook post, Toirac called for respect and tolerance towards differing opinions and expressed regret that the discussion had turned aggressive.
“Recently, Gustavito Sabadazo said in an interview that he had been happy in Cuba... And he was consumed by the intolerance there (which is none other than the twin sister of the intolerance here),” the comedian began saying from Playa, Havana.
In his text, Toirac explained that someone suggested he advise his former colleague, but he responded that he really should not address Geonel Martín, but rather those who do not accept differing viewpoints. "We must learn to let people think whatever they want without attacking them because, simply put, for someone else, experiences in Cuba were not happy. Geonel Martín was happy. Period!" he wrote.
"Look, my greatest happiness is CUBA despite everything. I can't detach myself from a country where I have been famous and greatly loved by the majority (which is how Gustavito feels about it). We don't think the same. No human being thinks like another," added the comedian, reflecting on his own connection to the island.
Toirac considered that the real problem lies in the lack of acceptance of differences: “In the end, the goal of creating intolerant individuals has prevailed. If we can't overcome that, we will never achieve anything as a nation. We will never reach a society that serves the interests of a majority. Because there simply is no majority; there are millions of individuals who do not tolerate the thoughts of others if they are not the same as their own.”
At another point in his publication, he stated that he did not want to get involved in controversies, but he reaffirmed his affection for Martín. “I didn't want to get caught up in the mess of the CDR in Miami, but he's still my brother and I love him dearly. What happened is wrong.”
Toirac concluded his message by highlighting the talent and career of his colleague: “What a remarkable artist we should be grateful for, thanks to his work.”
The comedian's reflection comes after the interview in which Geonel Martín spoke from Miami about his life outside the island and stated that "he was happier in Cuba." Days later, the humorist clarified his words on social media and explained that his statements had been taken out of context, insisting that he is also happy in the United States.
Both Toirac and Martín were part of one of the most beloved comedy duos on Cuban television, a symbol of an era that marked generations.
With his message, Toirac not only stood up for a fellow performer, but also issued a broader call for coexistence and respect among Cubans. His post was not a partisan stance, but a warning: that intolerance—regardless of its source—remains the biggest obstacle to reconciling a people divided by too many silences and grievances.
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