The Cuban actress Susana Pérez shared a message on Facebook that has sparked numerous reactions as she reflected on her life in Cuba and indirectly joined the controversy ignited by the statements of comedian Geonel Martín “Gustavito”.
In a comment on the post by actor Ulises Toirac —who had come to Gustavito's defense after the criticism he received for saying that "he was happy in Cuba"—, Pérez wrote:
"I was also happy in Cuba, I built my career and won the love of 11 million Cubans, I had friends, I had my whole family, until I stopped being happy and decided, as I always say, to slam the door like Nora. To deny that is to deny oneself."
The interpreter's comment, who has been based in the United States for years, generated support and recognition among her followers, who noted the sincerity and conciliatory tone of her words. Other users praised her ability to acknowledge the positive moments experienced on the island without losing a critical perspective on the reasons that led her to leave.
The controversy began following a recent interview with Geonel Martín, in which the comedian confessed that “he was happier in Cuba”. His words sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some accusing him of idealizing his life on the island and others defending his right to share a personal experience.
In light of the controversy, the comedian published a clarifying video and defended his right to freely express his opinions about his life in Cuba and the United States, stating that his words had been taken out of context. “Of course I was happy in Cuba. Who wasn't happy in Cuba? But I came to the United States to be even happier, to be freer,” he said at the time.
Ulises Toirac later contributed with a reflection on his Facebook profile, where he called for respect for different personal experiences and warned against intolerance in public debate: “We will never achieve a society that serves the interests of a majority if we do not tolerate the thoughts of others.” It was in that post where Susana Pérez added her comment, providing an intimate and honest perspective on her past on the island.
With her message, Susana Pérez provided a more human perspective on the issue, reminding us that many Cuban artists were happy on the island while pursuing their careers, but that social and political conditions drove them to seek other paths.
The actress, remembered for her roles in classics of Cuban television, has maintained a critical stance toward the regime in Havana, while at the same time defending the importance of acknowledging the roots and the bonds that shaped her life in Cuba.
Filed under: