Rigoberto Díaz Cruz, the Cuban who went viral for being involved in an altercation in Supermanzana 23 in Cancun, revealed in new statements that he and his pregnant wife decided to return to Cuba after the barrage of threats received on social media and the fear of further attacks in Mexican territory.
In his most recent statements, also shared by the Rancho Destino profile, Rigoberto explained that the decision to return to Cuba was not voluntary but forced by his wife's fear.
“My wife, who is pregnant, told me she was in danger in Mexico after the incident. She was going out on the streets alone; they could recognize her and attack her.”, he recounted.
A wave of intimidating messages contributed to this: “On social media, there was already a lot of insistence directed at us, messaging us privately, threatening us, all of them Mexican.”
The Cuban also offered a public apology: "I apologize to everyone. At one point, I see myself being violent in that little part of the video. I acknowledge that I came across as violent."
Gratitude and a journey from Nicaragua
Despite everything, Rigoberto insisted that he holds no grudges and expressed his gratitude for the support he received.
"We have nothing against any Mexican, nothing against them. We are grateful to all the Mexicans who supported us, because thanks to them we had rent and work," he specified.
He also clarified that they arrived in Mexico via the Central American route.
"We made a journey to Mexico from Nicaragua, the journey that all Cubans take from Central America. First, I made the trip, and then my wife did."
Regarding the choice of Mexico as a destination, he explained: "I thought of Mexico because they really offer asylum to Cubans there. We wanted to work and have a humble life through work, and we achieved that goal. We always worked."
The conflict went viral at the end of May when a Mexican citizen publicly reported being bitten by an unleashed dog and then physically assaulted by Rigoberto.
The complainant's video went viral immediately and generated a gathering of around 200 people in front of the Cuban's house, who threw stones and bottles, breaking windows, doors, and the entrance gate.
The security operation deployed included Municipal Police, State Police, National Guard, Naval forces, and riot control teams.
The couple is under immigration protection at the disposal of the National Immigration Institute.
The Cuban Version: Xenophobia, Not a Bite
In his statements, Rigoberto asserted that the dog was not his, but a stray from the neighborhood that all the residents fed, a small breed known as "kofi," similar to a chihuahua.
"The puppy isn't mine; he's a stray, but he's food. I'm making dinner for my wife, who's pregnant and hungry," the Cuban recounted.
According to his account, the conflict escalated due to xenophobic attitudes from the Mexican citizen, who offended him with direct remarks: "You Cubans think that Mexico belongs to you, and that is not the case."
The Cuban described how he tried to avoid the confrontation.
"I leave him talking to himself and go into the house to continue cooking," but the man returned to the place after he had left.
In a prior statement, Rigoberto had broken the silence to justify his reaction:
"I acted this 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 incident happened two months ago, and I don't understand the purpose of posting it on social media now after such a long time."
After the virality of the case, the Cuban community in Cancun reported difficulties in finding employment, rejections in renting homes, and insults in public spaces.
Marylín Torres Leal, president of the CISVAC foundation, warned: "Many people will pay the price for others' mistakes, which is concerning. The issue could escalate and worsen if action is not taken."
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