Singer-songwriter Israel Rojas, leader of the duo Buena Fe, acknowledged this Wednesday that he was "naive" for not believing for years the reports about the privileges of the power elite in Cuba and publicly apologized to those who, he said, tried to warn him about that reality.
His reflection was published on Facebook regarding the controversy stirred up by Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," the grandson of Raúl Castro. His recent interview with the American newspaper has sparked a wave of criticism both on and off the island.
The comment arose in response to a post by lawyer and historian Ernesto Limia, who argued that the media exposure of El Cangrejo is part of a "cognitive warfare" operation against Cuba. Although Rojas shared that text, he made it clear that he did not agree with that interpretation.
"That is the opinion of Ernesto Limia, whom I respect and admire. My view is that in the revolution I experienced, individuals like those mentioned in that American article, Raúl Guillermo, always ended poorly. No one before had dared to go so far. And just as badly as they ended those who sheltered, encouraged, supported, or tolerated them," he wrote.
In one of the most discussed passages of his publication, the musician apologized to those who had spoken to him for years about the privileges of certain sectors of power and stated that he had refused to believe them.
"What a shame with our vaccine scientists, the dedicated doctors, the workers of the UNE, the retirees. With all those who, in good faith, spoke to me about these phenomena and I resisted believing. A thousand apologies. I have been naive," he stated.
Rojas also questioned the contrast between the ostentation of some members of the elite and the daily sacrifice of millions of Cubans.
"Neither familiarity nor joviality from a revolutionary leader can excuse bypassing, even symbolically, the country's institutions. Behind this, there are years of grassroots work and people who have given their lives to serve the nation," he wrote.
The case of "El Cangrejo"
The singer's reaction comes after the interview in which the colonel of the Ministry of the Interior and grandson of Raúl Castro stated that he is willing to negotiate directly with President Donald Trump about the future of Cuba.
The interview generated significant controversy not only due to his statements but also because of the image projected by Rodríguez Castro, who appeared wearing a Rolex Submariner watch, Hermès sneakers, and a Hugo Boss t-shirt, in addition to stating: “It pains me deeply that people cannot live like I do”.
His words sparked a wave of outrage on social media, in a context marked by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and salaries that barely suffice to meet basic needs.
It evokes the Ochoa case
In his post, Rojas recalled the Number One Case of 1989, a process in which General Arnaldo Ochoa and several officials from the Ministry of the Interior were convicted, to question whether the ethical principles that, in his view, inspired the Revolution at that time are still relevant.
"Is the code of ethics for the cadres still in effect? I remember the passionate legal and ethical arguments—especially ethical—from then-prosecutor Juan Escalona Reguera," he wrote.
And he added: "And then, suddenly, this. Just like that. Now everything takes on a painful meaning, an undignified, unjust, indecent logic."
The statements from the leader of Buena Fe add to a debate that has already involved figures traditionally close to the government.
Among those who reacted was the photographer Kaloian Santos Cabrera, who publicly questioned the role of El Cangrejo. "What the hell is the grandson/bodyguard doing negotiating the fate of Cuba? Who put him there? With what legitimacy?" he wrote.
Also this Wednesday, María del Carmen Hernández Carús, mother of the head of Communication at the Palace of the Revolution, expressed her discontent on Facebook with a brief message directed at Raúl Castro's grandson: “Can someone bring this young man down from his cloud? Can someone tell him to be quiet?.”
Israel Rojas, who in February 2026 declared that he would not fight for the Castro dynasty —although he later rectified— and in June called for political reforms, concluded his statement reaffirming his beliefs while drawing a line: “I do not regret being a revolutionary. I have not betrayed my creed. That's on them.”
Filed under: