"Did we leave Cuba fleeing from intolerance only to come here and practice it?" Humorist Gustavito defends Cuqui La Mora

Comedians Gustavito (I) and Cuqui La Mora (D)Photo © Collage Facebook/Gustavito Sabadazo and Instagram / Cuqui La Mora

The Cuban comedian Gustavito (Geonel Martín Verales), known for his popular character on the television show Sabadazo, came to the defense of Cuqui La Mora after the cancellation of two of her performances in the United States and condemned the attacks against the artist due to her political views.

In a post made this Tuesday on Facebook, the comedian stated that he had decided to speak out against what he considers a display of intolerance within the Cuban community in exile, while also  addressing the concern he feels for his friends and family with uncertain immigration status in the United States.

"TODAY I CAN'T REMAIN SILENT," he wrote at the beginning of his reflection, in which he explained that he has known Cuqui La Mora, whose real name is Aleanis Jáuregui, since she was just 17 years old and that he has witnessed her personal and artistic growth.

“I don’t have to agree with her opinions to respect her, nor am I going to turn my back on a friend of many years just because she thinks differently,” she expressed.

Gustavito specifically questioned why some people celebrate the loss of job opportunities for an artist due to their political preferences, a behavior he considers incompatible with the freedom that many Cubans sought when they emigrated.

“Did we leave Cuba fleeing intolerance only to practice it here?”, he asked.

"We can disagree, debate, and even discuss passionately. But to insult, humiliate, and celebrate the cancellation of an artist's work because of their political views seems profoundly unjust to me," they stated.

The comedian recalled that during his time in Cuba, he also faced professional consequences related to his opinions, so he said he understands the impact that a similar situation can have on those who make their living in show business.

"I personally experienced the same thing there. I know what it feels like when they try to punish you professionally for what you think," he stated.

His reflection became even more striking when he stated: "Then why did we leave Cuba? To come and do to others what was done to us one day?"

Gustavito stated that, on principle, he would not agree to perform in a venue that suspended an artist's work solely because of their political beliefs.

"Because today it happens to Cuqui, but tomorrow it could happen to any of us", he warned, calling for greater solidarity among entertainment professionals, even when they hold different ideological positions.

In his post, the comedian also addressed the immigration situation of Cubans residing in the United States under the I-220A form.

He revealed that he has friends, fellow artists, and even his own godson in that situation, and confessed that he is worried about the possibility of one of them being deported.

He also expressed his concern regarding certain actions by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which, in his view, remind him of scenes of intimidation experienced in Latin American countries governed by dictatorships.

However, he made it clear that he considers the protection of the U.S. borders essential and that authorities must be able to identify individuals who pose threats to the country's security.

"That's why I believe that protecting our borders is necessary, but doing so while respecting the dignity and rights of individuals is also important," she wrote.

Gustavito insisted that the distress of families facing possible deportation should not turn into hostility towards those who hold different political opinions.

He assured that he will continue to support both Cuqui La Mora and his loved ones affected by the immigration uncertainty.

"I am not going to abandon Cuqui for having a different opinion. Just as I am not going to abandon my friends and my godson, who are living in fear today because of their immigration status," he emphasized.

The statements come after the restaurant La Cubanita, in Odessa, Texas, canceled a performance by Cuqui La Mora that was scheduled for last Sunday.

The establishment stated that it was a business decision based on the conditions and commercial viability of the show, and expressly denied that the suspension was related to the comedian's political preferences.

Similarly, the organizers of Expo Cubaneo Arizona 2026 also announced the cancellation of their performance in Phoenix, scheduled for November 7, without publicly explaining the reasons.

Both decisions occurred shortly after Cuqui expressed her excitement about voting for the first time as a U.S. citizen and openly declared her support for the Republican Party.

The coincidence sparked a controversy on social media, where some users linked the cancellations to their political positions. However, none of the organizers confirmed that account, and the Texas restaurant explicitly rejected it.

The artist confirmed during an interview with Alex Otaola that those in charge of the shows had received calls and threats prior to canceling her performances.

The comedian defended her right to freely express her political preferences and stated that she would not allow the controversy to bring her down.

Gustavito has not been the only artist to come to his defense. The Cuban actor and comedian Vladimir Escudero published a video in which he questioned political intolerance and defended Cuqui's right to express his preferences without it affecting his work.

Escudero clarified that he was unaware of all the details regarding the cancellations, but he believed that if they occurred solely due to the artist's political stance, the situation warranted serious reflection.

Cuqui, for her part, announced that she will perform on November 28 at Café Cantante Restaurante in Miami, alongside the group Los 3 de La Habana. She also has a performance scheduled in Michigan for November 21.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.