The Cuban creator Amanda Sanz sparked conversations on social media after an interview with Magdalena la Pelúa, where she discussed her life in the United States and her lack of interest in returning to Cuba. The singer also recalled that she left the country over ten years ago as a political refugee, since her mother was part of the dissident group Damas de Blanco. However, what truly ignited the debate were her words regarding her thoughts on returning to the island.
“I don’t like poverty. I don’t like struggling, what for?”, he said with total honesty. “There are people who go to Cuba and are happy, but I can’t imagine going and having to figure out how to eat chicken or whatever. I prefer to cross the street and go to Walmart. If you want to go to Cuba to struggle, that’s great, but in my personal opinion, I can’t. I’ve gotten used to this country.”
The clip quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing thousands of views and sparking divided opinions. Many users criticized her stance, calling it “arrogant” or “lacking humility.” “I admired her until I heard this video, I’m disappointed,” wrote one follower. Another added, “People go to Cuba to hug their mothers, not to look for chicken.” There were also those who defended her: “She didn’t say anything wrong, she was just being honest. Not everyone wants to struggle.”
Several comments noted that Amanda has lived in the United States since she was very young and that her whole family is there, which makes her reality different. "Let's not confuse poverty with a lack of humility. When one gets used to living with dignity, it's hard to return to precariousness," one user commented, while another asserted, "Everyone has the right to think as they wish; in the end, we all left Cuba in search of a better life."
Beyond the controversy, the video reopened the debate about the relationship between Cubans in exile and their country of origin. Amid nostalgia, differing experiences, and the harsh economic reality of the island, Amanda Sanz's words reflect a shared sentiment—although few dare to express it so directly in front of a camera.
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