The mother of Leticia Martínez Hernández, who serves as the press chief for Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, has publicly defended her daughter following a controversy sparked by her response to criticism from singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez. The dispute arose from Rodríguez's concerns about the presence of millionaires at the Havana Cigar Festival, which he shared on his blog, highlighting his worries about the "gradual disappearance of national dignity" associated with the lavish event held at Havana's Capitol building.
In defense, Leticia Martínez took to Facebook to champion "national dignity," citing government achievements such as advancements in medicine, the COVID-19 pandemic response, and medical efforts in rural areas. She also invoked lyrics from Silvio's well-known song "El Necio" to bolster her arguments.
Facing a wave of backlash, Leticia's mother spoke out on social media: "I've remained silent, watching the scorn and madness unfold before me, from opinions to offensive posts. Now I will speak my mind, and if anyone is bothered, that's their problem."
"I know many are fans of Silvio, including Leticia and the president of Cuba. Admiring his work doesn't mean agreeing with everything he says," she continued. She specifically criticized those who suggested that only someone who had "come down from the Sierra" was qualified to respond to Silvio. "I came down sitting on a yagua from the hills of Zaza del Medio, and I can double or triple the examples of dignity Leticia mentioned," she stated.
Furthermore, she harshly criticized journalist and former State Security agent Manuel David Orrio, who published an article on Kaosenlared, analyzing and contradicting Leticia's claims: "If you need to discredit someone from your own field to gain followers, you don't deserve any accolades," she asserted.
The mother dismissed any speculation regarding potential public apologies or resignations from Leticia: "Apologize for mentioning the achievements and truths of this great nation? Absolutely not! Those who should apologize are the ones who have spoken without knowing her," she concluded.
This isn't the first time María del Carmen Hernández Carús has found herself embroiled in public controversies. Back in December 2024, she launched a scathing critique on social media against the Santa Clara Electric Company for their delayed response to outages that left her home partially without power. Her complaints drew fierce criticism from citizens who perceived her actions as arrogant and privileged, prompting her to delete her initial post and replace it with a more tempered statement.
Controversy Surrounding Leticia Martínez's Response
What triggered the controversy involving Leticia Martínez?
The controversy was ignited by Leticia Martínez's defense of the Cuban government’s communication strategies in response to Silvio Rodríguez's critique concerning the presence of affluent individuals at the Havana Cigar Festival.
How did Leticia Martínez's mother react to the backlash?
Leticia's mother defended her daughter on social media, criticizing the offensive responses and stressing that admiration for Silvio Rodríguez’s work does not equate to agreeing with all his opinions.
Has María del Carmen Hernández Carús been involved in other public disputes?
Yes, she previously faced criticism for a public complaint directed at the Santa Clara Electric Company over power outages, which some citizens viewed as displaying privilege and arrogance.