Marianela Ancheta, the newly crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2024, has shared a heartfelt Instagram story addressing the health condition of reggaeton artist José Manuel Carvajal Zaldívar, better known as El Taiger. He is in critical condition after being shot in the head in Miami on October 3, 2024. In her post, the Cuban beauty queen shared an image of a tiger lying on the ground surrounded by candles, symbolizing the singer's human spirit. In the background, El Taiger is depicted on a stretcher, encircled by people holding candles, as they await his recovery. The powerful image is accompanied by the touching phrase: "All of Cuba is waiting for you to rise!"
The artist was discovered unconscious in an abandoned vehicle near Jackson Memorial Hospital and is currently in intensive care under life support. Friends, family, and fans, including other Cuban artists such as Jorge Junior and Yordenis Ugás, have shown their concern and support. Vigils have been organized in various locations, both in Cuba and Miami, to pray for his recovery.
Beauty Queen's Journey and Advocacy
Currently, the beauty queen is in the Dominican Republic, where she arrived on October 5 to meet with renowned Dominican designers Giannina Azar and Leonel Lirio. They have been chosen to create some of the outfits she will wear during her participation in Miss Universe 2024, set to take place in Mexico on November 16. The Cuban model has been involved in several photo sessions and interviews, where she has spoken about female empowerment.
A Historic Milestone for Cuba
Marianela Ancheta was crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2024, marking the first time in 57 years that a Cuban representative will join the Miss Universe pageant. Born in Villa Clara, she migrated to the United States with her mother by crossing the border through Mexico. Besides her modeling career, she is an entrepreneur with her own skincare line. Currently residing in Miami, she has been romantically linked to Colombian soccer player James Rodríguez.