Cuban actress Judith González, famed for her comedic character 'Magdalena La Pelúa', and content creator Ariel Ramos experienced a startling event during a TikTok live session streamed from Miami's Café Cantante. As the conversation shifted to the topic of Cuba, the number of viewers abruptly dropped to just 76. González recounted the incident in a video reacting to the unexpected event.
The live session initially had over 200 viewers engaged when the duo shared a video by analyst Yurek Basque discussing the situation on the island. However, before the video concluded, the audience dwindled significantly. "We had over 200 people in the live. Then, as soon as we started talking about Cuba, it dropped to 76. Just 76 people," González recounted, clearly unsettled by the turn of events.
Their reaction was a mix of surprise and frustration. "Oh, my God, what we just experienced is unbelievable," the actress exclaimed in the video recounting the incident. "I was shocked. I truly am. I think, how is this possible? Who does it harm when we talk about such topics?"
Judith González expressed that while she's not entirely surprised by the phenomenon, it does frustrate her. She acknowledged that discussing politics has cost her followers and opportunities. Ramos used the metaphor of "the bus" to describe how many Cubans, once secure in exile, stop caring about those left behind: "People don't want artists like us to talk about politics. They forget we're Cuban, and our voice carries weight."
Yet, the actress was resolute: she will not be silenced. "I will never stop talking about Cuba," she declared. Adding, "Those who say they don’t talk politics are deluded because everything is political. Bad politics under a dictatorship for 67 years has wrecked our lives as Cubans. If you lack that sensitivity, you're lost."
This incident unfolded amid the most intense protests in Cuba since the July 11, 2021 demonstrations. Since March 7, Havana and other provinces have been experiencing nightly cacerolazos, street fires, and peaceful sit-ins, triggered by the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant on March 5, which caused the island's worst blackout in history, affecting over 68% of the country simultaneously, with power cuts exceeding 20 hours daily.
As Cubans took to the streets during the blackouts, setting fires and banging pots in Havana, the live broadcast unfolded against this turbulent backdrop. González interpreted the regime’s silence in the face of protests as a significant indicator: "The silence of the dictatorship right now, while Havana is literally on fire, with posters everywhere, is telling. It’s being discussed and negotiated, so don’t lose hope."
Ariel Ramos, who arrived in the United States in May 2024 and gained viral fame on TikTok with his grandmother Martha, shared his colleague's astonishment. Both are set to perform at Miami's Café Cantante this Saturday night, with their beloved characters Magdalena and Kevin.
This is not the first time Judith González has faced such reactions. She previously spoke out about protests in Cuba in March 2024, predicting inevitable change on the island. Her stance has remained unwavering since the July 11, 2021 demonstrations, where she condemned the indignities faced by Cubans.
"Long live Free Cuba, down with the dictatorship, and we have less time left," González concluded, affirming that no loss of followers will deter her from her convictions.
Key Questions About the Incident on TikTok Live
Why did the viewers drop during the live session?
The number of viewers decreased significantly when Judith González and Ariel Ramos began discussing the political situation in Cuba.
What was Judith González's reaction to the viewer drop?
Judith González expressed shock and frustration, questioning why speaking about such topics could cause harm.
How does Judith González view the political situation in Cuba?
She believes that bad politics under the dictatorship have negatively affected Cuban lives for decades and insists on continuing to speak out about it.