Former Cuban spy Gerardo Hernández Nordelo came to the defense of reggaeton artist El Micha this Thursday. The musician has faced backlash from emigrant groups for his recent comments that appear to support the Havana regime. "In Miami, there are inquisitors who claim they left 'in search of freedom,' yet now they not only fear stepping out of line but also want to burn at the stake anyone who does," said Hernández Nordelo, who is also the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), in a post on X addressing the criticism against the singer.
The regime seeks to exploit this controversy for its own benefit, attempting to portray exiled artists as wanting to return to the island but feeling self-repressed. "Some are afraid to travel, while others travel in secret," Hernández Nordelo stated. Last Tuesday, El Micha stirred further controversy by discussing his return to Cuba after a four-year absence, claiming that on the island, "you don't breathe that venom" from exiled Cubans.
In an interview with Enrique Santos, the artist revealed his plans to travel to Havana to celebrate his birthday at one of the city's trendy bars. He asserted that his return was essential for his personal and professional happiness. The reggaeton artist was criticized for his apparent double standards, to which he retorted: "Others have four morals, so what if I have two?"
Furthermore, he compared repression in Cuba to customs in Japan, suggesting that the system on the island is a deeply rooted reality that won't change based on his opinion, further igniting the controversy. El Micha has also refrained from making explicit calls for freedom for Cubans, and when questioned about political prisoners, he remarked, "It's not my fault they are imprisoned. Was I the one who put them in jail?" He reiterated that his job is to sing to the people.
Gerardo Hernández and El Micha Controversy: Key Questions Answered
The controversy surrounding Gerardo Hernández's defense of El Micha has raised several important questions. Here, we address some of the most pressing inquiries.
Why did Gerardo Hernández defend El Micha?
Gerardo Hernández defended El Micha in response to criticism from emigrant groups. He argued that these groups left Cuba in search of freedom but now act as "inquisitors" who fear stepping out of line and attempt to punish those who do.
What did El Micha say that caused controversy?
El Micha caused controversy by suggesting that Cuba does not have the same "venom" as the Cuban exile community and by downplaying the repression in Cuba. He also made controversial remarks about political prisoners and compared Cuban repression to Japanese customs.
How is the regime using this controversy to its advantage?
The regime is trying to use the controversy to suggest that exiled artists secretly wish to return to Cuba but feel self-repressed. By highlighting the criticism from emigrant groups, the regime aims to paint a picture of hypocrisy and fear among the exiled community.