Rigoberto Díaz Cruz, the Cuban who went viral for being involved in an altercation in the Supermanzana 23 of Cancún, revealed in new statements that he and his pregnant wife decided to return to Cuba after a wave of threats received on social media and the fear of further aggression in Mexican territory.
In his latest statements, also shared by the profile Rancho Destino, Rigoberto explained that the decision to return to Cuba was not made freely but was forced by his wife's fear.
“My wife, who is pregnant, told me that she was in danger in Mexico after the incident. She would go out alone, they could recognize her and assault her,” he recounted.
A wave of intimidating messages followed: “On social media, there was already a lot of insistence towards us, writing to us privately, threatening us, all of them Mexican.”
The Cuban also issued a public apology: "I apologize to everyone. At one point, I see myself being violent in that part of the video. I acknowledge that I acted violently."
Gratitude and a journey from Nicaragua
Despite everything, Rigoberto insisted that he holds no grudges and expressed gratitude for the support he received.
"We have nothing against any Mexicans, absolutely nothing. We are grateful to all the Mexicans who supported us because thanks to them we had rent and work," he specified.
It was also clarified that they arrived in Mexico via the Central America route.
"We undertook a journey to Mexico from Nicaragua, the journey that all Cubans take from Central America. First, I made the trip, and then my wife."
Regarding the choice of Mexico as a destination, he explained: "I thought of Mexico because they do grant asylum to Cubans there. We wanted to work and have a humble life, and we achieved that goal. We always worked."
The conflict went viral at the end of May when a Mexican citizen publicly reported having been bitten by an unleashed dog and then physically assaulted by Rigoberto.
The whistleblower's video went viral immediately and sparked a gathering of about 200 people in front of the Cuban's home, who threw stones and bottles, breaking windows, doors, and the entry gate.
The security operation deployed included Municipal Police, State Police, National Guard, Navy, and riot control teams.
The couple is under immigration protection at the disposal of the National Institute of Migration.
The Cuban Version: Xenophobia, Not a Bite
In his statements, Rigoberto claimed that the dog was not his, but a stray animal from the neighborhood that all the residents fed, a small breed known as "kofi," similar to a chihuahua.
"The little dog isn't mine, it's a stray, but it's food. I'm making food for my wife who is pregnant and hungry," the Cuban said.
According to his account, the conflict escalated due to xenophobic attitudes from the Mexican citizen, who insulted him with direct phrases: "You Cubans think that Mexico is yours, and that's not the case."
The Cuban described how he attempted to avoid the confrontation.
"I leave him talking to himself and go into the house to keep cooking," but the man returned to the spot after he had left.
In a prior statement, Rigoberto had broken his silence to explain his reaction:
"I acted that way for the safety of my wife, who is pregnant. I did it because that person was harassing my wife, and that's why I reacted violently," he reproached.
On that occasion, he also questioned the late release of the video: "That problem happened two months ago, and I don't understand the purpose of posting it on social media now after so much time."
After the viralization of the case, the Cuban community in Cancún reported difficulties in finding employment, refusals to rent housing, and insults in public spaces.
Marylín Torres Leal, president of the CISVAC foundation, warned: "Many people will pay the price for others' actions, which is concerning. The issue could escalate and worsen if steps are not taken."
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