A TikTok user known as @leilagonzalez87 has released a video taking aim at Cuban influencer Samantha Hernández, who gained recognition through the "La Familia Cubana" project. She accuses Hernández of ignoring and downplaying the harsh realities faced by the Cuban people.
The catalyst for this criticism stems from Samantha's comments on the Farándula 305 podcast. During the episode, she explained that she refrained from protesting in Cuba because her mother feared she would be arrested. "I can't stand on social media and tell anyone to go out into the streets because I didn't do it myself," she stated. Samantha also mentioned that she avoids political discussions due to her lack of sufficient knowledge on the topics.
@leilagonzalez87 was unforgiving in her response. "Samantica, you're missing the point. For you, Cuba is just politics and money. You don't understand what's happening in Cuba because you're too ignorant, only capable of performing a few dances with silly expressions," she criticized in her video.
The TikToker also targeted "La Familia Cubana," a page with over 1.2 million TikTok followers, with which Samantha is associated. According to @leilagonzalez87, the page shares official speeches and marches but fails to highlight protests or the realities faced by Cuban families on the island. "You never show a protest, you don't share the struggles of a Cuban mother, you show nothing," she claimed.
Moreover, the criticism extended to Samantha's appearances at international award shows. "You attend these events, trying to sell Cuba to international artists, while they all tell you to your face they won't visit Cuba until the regime falls," the TikToker pointed out.
In contrast to Samantha, @leilagonzalez87 praised Anna Sofía Benítez, a Cuban activist and YouTuber who speaks out against the regime from within the island despite facing State Security reprisals, including summons and an "interview" with her mother. "Thankfully, there's balance, for every fool like you, there's an Anna Sofía in Cuba, a brilliant university student who refuses to stay silent," she declared.
Benítez has shown solidarity with the young members of the El4tico collective detained by the Cuban government for their criticisms, further highlighting the contrast between activism within the island and the silence of exiled entertainment figures.
Meanwhile, Samantha Hernández has acknowledged the pain caused by her country's situation. "I do believe they're ruining my country, it hurts me deeply," she expressed in the same 2025 podcast. However, she maintained her stance: "I'm not going to speak about my country's situation just because you want me to."
The debate over the responsibility of Cuban influencers in exile regarding the island's crisis is a recurring topic on social media, dividing the diaspora between those who appreciate Samantha's honesty and those who accuse her of passivity or opportunism.
Understanding the Criticism Against Cuban Influencers
Why is Samantha Hernández being criticized by @leilagonzalez87?
Samantha Hernández is criticized by @leilagonzalez87 for allegedly ignoring the realities faced by the Cuban people and not participating in protests. She is accused of prioritizing political and financial interests over activism.
What role does "La Familia Cubana" play in this controversy?
La Familia Cubana is associated with Samantha Hernández and is criticized for not showcasing protests or the struggles of Cuban families. It is accused of focusing on official narratives instead.
Who is Anna Sofía Benítez and how is she different from Samantha Hernández?
Anna Sofía Benítez is a Cuban activist and YouTuber who actively denounces the regime from within Cuba, despite facing reprisals. She is praised for her bravery and is seen as a counterbalance to figures like Samantha Hernández.