In a candid interview with YouTuber Adrián Fernández, Jacob Forever has made it clear that he has no plans to return to Cuba. During their discussion, the reggaeton artist opened up about his family, the challenges of reuniting with them, and his reasons for avoiding travel to the island.
Jacob Forever voiced his strong opposition to the Cuban political system and the lack of freedoms in the country. "I don’t want to go to Cuba; I want nothing to do with that communism or the absence of freedom," he stated. "I don’t want to be in a place where there are many political prisoners and many things happening that I don’t agree with," the singer added.
Despite his decision to stay away, Jacob Forever ensures he remains in touch with his family and supports them financially. He disclosed that his mother and grandmother reside in Camagüey in houses he purchased for them. Although they have the option to leave, they have chosen to stay due to their familial ties and customs. His mother once traveled to the United States but decided to return to Cuba, missing her daily routine and husband.
"I explained many times what it means to live in capitalism and be free, but she has her family there, her traditions, and her life," Jacob Forever explained.
Addressing criticism from those who accuse him of not bringing his family out of Cuba or leaving his son Riler, his only male child, behind, the artist clarified: "A lot of people comment, asking, ‘Why don’t you bring your son?’ My son has been in the process of being claimed for three years, and he has an interview on the 10th. Hopefully, if God wills, he’ll get his visa and be able to join me here," he explained, emphasizing that he is actively working on reuniting his son with him in the United States.
Jacob Forever also responded to inquiries about why his mother hasn’t left the island. "My mom has been here before; I brought her for three months, but she only lasted two because she would say, ‘Why am I always locked up here?’ and ‘Why can’t I go out and speak with the neighbor?’ I always explained to her what a better life is, what living in capitalism means, and what freedom entails, but she has her family and customs there," he argued.
To see his loved ones, Jacob Forever opts to meet them in the Dominican Republic through agencies like Risa Travel. "I have to wait a year to see them in Punta Cana," he commented, adding that his son, who has been in the process of being claimed for three years, may finally receive his visa soon to join him in Miami.
In the interview, the artist also sent a message of support to Cubans fighting for freedom and to political prisoners: "Freedom for political prisoners; Homeland and Life, and freedom for Cuba."
Jacob Forever's statements have sparked a wave of comments on TikTok, where Adrián Fernández (@adrianfernandezshow) shared a clip of the interview. Some users supported his stance, declaring they wouldn't set foot in Cuba as long as the dictatorship persists. "That's what I do, I send my mom to Cancun and the DR. I won't step foot in Cuba," one follower wrote. Another commented, "My respects to Jacob, that's how you speak, thank you for voicing your opinion."
However, others criticized his decision, believing that family love should surpass political differences. "I disagree with you; life is too short, and a family hug is priceless," one user expressed. Another wrote, "He would give anything to go to Cuba," while another pointed out, "You don’t go because you don't want to, not because you can't."
Some also suggested that Jacob Forever's comments may be influenced by the pressure of the Cuban exile community in Miami. "You have to say the right words so Otaola doesn’t attack. Not even in a free country can you truly express what you feel," one user opined. Another remarked, "Even after leaving Cuba, we're not free; it’s clear he said it because if he didn’t, they’d tear him apart."
The interview with Adrián Fernández, which we present in full below, has reignited the debate over the stance of Cuban artists in exile and the dilemma of staying away from the island or returning to reunite with their families.
Understanding Jacob Forever's Decision
Why does Jacob Forever refuse to visit Cuba?
Jacob Forever refuses to visit Cuba due to his strong opposition to the communist regime and the lack of freedoms there. He does not want to be associated with a place where there are many political prisoners and issues he disagrees with.
How does Jacob Forever support his family in Cuba?
Jacob Forever supports his family financially by purchasing homes for his mother and grandmother in Camagüey. Although he remains in contact with them, they have chosen to stay in Cuba due to family ties and customs.
What steps is Jacob Forever taking to reunite with his son?
Jacob Forever has been working on the legal process to bring his son Riler to the United States. His son has been claimed for three years and is expected to have an interview soon that could grant him a visa to join his father in Miami.