Cuban photographer Laura Ibonth (@lauraibonth) published an Instagram reel of almost three minutes in which she addresses the most widespread stereotypes against Cuban women, and her message sparked a polarized discussion among her followers.
The video begins with a direct enumeration of the prejudices that the creator aims to dismantle: "The Cuban woman is beautiful until she opens her mouth. They are vulgar, scandalous, loud, they don't know how to behave, how rude they are, how vulgar, how coarse, they have nothing in their heads, they are dumb, not intelligent at all, they lack class, style, elegance, and they gesticulate a lot."
Far from denying that some Cuban women may fit that description, Laura Ibonth acknowledges that "there are Cuban women who meet all these characteristics," but she argues that this profile does not define the entirety.
Its central argument is a call for Cuban authenticity against what it considers a reductionist prejudice: "I find it so basic that we are reduced to such a cheap stereotype, such a cheap prejudice, really. You need to meet more Cuban women so that you can come up with a more complete definition."
The filmmaker contrasts stereotypes with a different image: "The Cuban woman is a woman full of art and culture, wisdom, and life," hardworking, independent, educated, and capable of projecting herself successfully even without access to formal academic training.
The most debated point was her defense of Cuban frankness as a virtue rather than a flaw: “The Cuban woman is never going to pretend to behave in a certain way; she is what she is, and that’s that. She says what she thinks, even if it doesn't please most people, she stands her ground. No matter the cost, she defends it. We are not hypocrites; we are very direct.”
Laura concluded her message with her own definition: "The Cuban woman is a very complete woman. I have always said that she is beautiful both physically and mentally and spiritually."
Among the comments the video received, reactions were varied. Some followers applauded wholeheartedly: "The Cuban woman is the perfect blend of intellect, musicality, and rhythm. She is an excellent mother, wise by nature, with a contagious joy and grace. Just by walking, we can be recognized, and when we dance, we are unique. In life, we always seek solutions."
Others defended the Cuban expressiveness with equal conviction: "These are criticisms from people who like to control women who express themselves freely. Cuban women enjoy speaking freely, both in Cuba and anywhere they go, regardless of who likes it. We don’t care at all what they think!"
Several comments pointed to the political system as the underlying cause: "Unfortunately, communism has deeply ruined our culture. What is seen on social media leaves much to be desired, not only regarding women but also concerning men."
One of the most revealing comments came from a follower who confessed, "People tell me I don't look Cuban because of the way I speak," a phrase that encapsulates the identity tension experienced by a significant portion of the diaspora.
This video is part of a debate that has been ongoing for months among Cuban creators in the diaspora who reject the image of vulgarity and scandal that certain viral content projects about their community. In July 2026, Laura Ibonth had already starred in another video focusing on the beauty of Cuban women.
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