Cuban Influencer's Empowering Response to Criticism Goes Viral in Miami

The Cuban actress and influencer Eileen Morales, also known as La Cubana de TikTok (@lacubanatiktok), has once again ignited a broad discussion on social media with her latest video, which has garnered over 1.3 million likes and more than 35,000 comments. In the video, she addresses a follower who labeled her as a "poor woman for coming from Cuba," delivering a powerful message about perseverance, freedom, and success in exile.

"Why poor?" Morales begins, staring directly into the camera. "Because I'm from Cuba, a country under dictatorship with hunger, misery, and need? Because I arrived in the United States just four years ago and bought a nearly million-dollar property with two houses—one to rent out for income and another to live in? Because I own two businesses, am an influencer in Miami, and help businesses grow?"

With pride, the influencer continues: "Because I bought the sports car I enjoy driving, because I go to work making videos in a car I love to speed through the streets of Miami, because I just bought a motorcycle I like—everything I want, I have. 'Oh, poor girl, because she came from Cuba,' no. Poor are those born in countries with opportunities, poor are those born in free countries and don't seize them."

Morales recalls facing criticism upon arriving in the United States, even from her close circle: "Even my own family and people I know criticized me. They said, ‘Oh, you're crazy, don't do this, don't make videos, you're wasting your time.’ And I just moved past them," she recounts. She also noted that people told her she could only buy a house in Homestead, but she proved them wrong: "I bought it in Coral Gables because I close deals, because I'm tough, because I came here to succeed."

Amidst laughter, she concluded her message with a phrase many users echoed in the comments: "I silenced everyone, people who were born here, I give them jobs, I pay them. I'm the voice, I'm the boss, because I didn't come here to play."

The video sparked a wave of reactions. Some users celebrated her story: “That's speaking with actions, not complaints”; “Example of a hardworking Cuban woman, without victimhood”; “You made me cry, I arrived with nothing and now have my own business, thank you for reminding us that it's possible.” Others were more critical: “Too much arrogance, success isn't measured by money,” or “The message is good, but without humility, it gets lost.” Humorous comments and reflections on the immigrant life also surfaced: “I've been here six years and still pay rent, but I understand her. Everyone has their own story.”

The post reinforces Morales's narrative over the years, focusing on exposing the Cuban reality and advocating for individual effort. In previous instances, she has criticized the portrayal of the country, stating that “a full refrigerator doesn't represent a nation,” and pointing out that “all that tourist money is pocketed by the government and doesn't help the people.” She has also challenged those who downplay the island's crisis, reminding them that “in Cuba, even fishing is illegal, and if you kill a cow, you get jailed worse than a rapist.”

Morales has also shared her personal growth journey in the United States. In 2024, she showed the small efficiency where she lived in Miami, explaining her choice to pay less to save money. “From here, I'm moving to my own house,” she said in a video where she toured her home, featured in another of her viral posts. Her recent TikTok message confirms she achieved that goal.

With her latest video, Eileen Morales reaffirms her belief that freedom and hard work can transform lives. Without victimhood or concessions, she made her viewpoint clear: “Poor are those born in free countries and don't take advantage of the opportunities.”