Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello has faced backlash from pro-communist social media users after she criticized the Castro regime for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
Cabello, known for her time in Fifth Harmony and her support for various left-leaning causes, took to social media last week. In a heartfelt post, she shared a childhood picture and discussed the plight of Cuban immigrants in the U.S., describing their circumstances as “heartbreaking.” Although she had privately opposed President Trump, she couldn’t ignore the severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine affecting her homeland due to the Communist Party’s policies. She linked to Catholic Charities, an organization aiding with humanitarian efforts that often receive U.S. contributions.
Born in Cuba to Mexican and Cuban parents, Cabello immigrated to the U.S. at around seven years old, just before Obama’s administration. In his concluding days, Obama rescinded protections for Cubans fleeing the regime.
Many Spanish-speaking users, particularly from Cuba and Venezuela, commended Cabello for shining a light on communism’s repercussions. Conversely, some English-speaking leftists criticized her for not attributing Cuba’s hardships to U.S. actions, which provide significant humanitarian assistance. Disparaging terms like Gusana (meaning “Maggot”), coined by Fidel Castro for dissenters, were directed at her. One popular left-wing figure even referred to Cabello as “disgusting.”
Her post, made on February 20, included distressing images portraying the dire situation in Cuba—collapsed buildings, individuals scavenging for food, and a childhood photo of her in a uniform related to the Communist Party’s indoctrination program.
“There’s so much happening at home that I can’t ignore,” she expressed. “I feel compelled to speak for what’s occurring in Cuba. I’ve got family there, and I’m trying to send them medicine, food, and clothing.”
She highlighted the severe repression the Cuban people face, saying, “After 67 years of dictatorship, they exist in an echo chamber where their voices can’t be heard without risking their lives.” Cabello shared how many are searching for food in trash and have to depend on relatives abroad for medical supplies since hospitals lack them. She continued, “Essential services have collapsed; food is spoiled, and clean water is a luxury.”
Cabello lamented the lack of dignity and hope for Cubans: “It’s no surprise that many risk their lives for freedom, even venturing into shark-infested waters.” She noted the current humanitarian crisis and encouraged support for organizations like Caritas Cuba.
The everyday realities for most Cubans, particularly those not connected to the Castro lineage, have been bleak since Fidel’s takeover in 1959. Over the past decade, the regime has intensified its repression, particularly following widespread protests on July 11, 2021, which called for an end to the regime. This shift came amid Trump’s presidency, which affected oil supplies to Cuba and threatened tariffs on countries assisting Cuba.
Cabello’s statements sparked a flurry of vitriolic responses from users on the left, who flooded her social media with negative comments. Some argued that communism was not to blame, urging her to reconsider her stance.
One user on Instagram remarked, “It’s not communism causing this… understand your nation.” Another tweet accused her of selling out Cuba without acknowledging the historic sanctions imposed by the U.S. While it’s claimed that the U.S. has never blocked essential shipments to Cuba, the Castro regime has limited the flow of aid from Americans.
Some users criticized Cabello’s past success, alleging that her hit “Havana” was a case of cultural appropriation, despite her Cuban roots. Online chatter further ridiculed her for her support of oppressed individuals, continuing to disparage her views.
“She puts the blame on the Cuban government when it should be directed at the U.S., which is shameful,” one commenter wrote.
Another called her naïveté “ignorant.” A user even commented, “That’s such a MAGA perspective.”
The most notable critic was Hasan Piker, a YouTuber known for some controversial opinions, who dismissed Cabello’s views, stating that they were too aligned with a defense of American actions. Meanwhile, some Spanish-speaking audiences rallied behind her, expressing their gratitude online. Cuban rapper Yotuel, once part of the Communist Party, showed his support for Cabello, posting a thank you message on her page.
More users echoed similar sentiments of appreciation in Spanish, celebrating her for being a vocal figure advocating for liberation across various countries.
Cabello doesn’t typically align with right-wing agendas; in fact, she has shown support for progressive issues, including abortion rights, and previously praised Obama’s Cuba strategy. Yet, by 2021, she had ramped up her advocacy for her compatriots’ needs.
“For over six decades, the Cuban people have faced oppression,” she stated. “What originally started as socialist principles for health care and education has devolved into a scenario where Cubans must wait in long lines to buy basic food, with prices out of reach for the average citizen.”
