The Cuban influencer Rachel Arderi, known for being the partner of reggaeton artist Oniel Bebeshito, has openly criticized the Cuban regime on social media, declaring that "it's time for that filthy dictatorship to end."
Arderi's outspoken remarks followed a touching video of her young daughter that she shared on Instagram. Among the comments, a subtle nudge prompted her to speak about the current state of affairs in Cuba.
“Your baby is adorable, Rachel. God bless her. A question: how do you feel about your country, Cuba, right now with everything that’s happening?” a follower reportedly asked.
Seizing the opportunity, the influencer didn't hold back in her response, using the moment to articulate her stance and reveal a less-known chapter of her personal journey.
“I believe it's time for that filthy dictatorship, which has caused so much suffering for all Cubans, to end. I dream of seeing my country free,” she wrote.
Escaping Cuba: A Personal Journey
Arderi recounted the moment she chose to leave Cuba while pregnant and already caring for a young child.
“I've never shared this, but I was one of the many millions of Cubans who one day picked up a small backpack with a few clothes, five months pregnant, and a five-year-old child, and left alone, not knowing what would happen,” she added.
She detailed her arduous journey through several countries, driven by the hope of securing a better future for her children.
“I crossed more than six countries through borders just to give my kids a better future,” she recounted.
The Struggles of Living Without Freedom
Arderi also described the fear and feeling of confinement she experienced in Cuba.
“It's sad to say, but in my own country, I felt imprisoned and was terrified that my daughter would be born there,” she explained.
Now residing in the United States "without papers," she shares a common reality with many other Cubans.
“Even though I’m here without papers, like thousands of my fellow countrymen, I preferred this over watching my children live without electricity, without water, eating stale bread with soy yogurt every day,” she reiterated.
Her message concluded with a show of solidarity for those still in Cuba.
“No one knows how hard life can be nor the stories behind each journey. Today, I stand with all my fellow Cubans who remain on the island. Believe me, 99% of the Cuban people today are shouting Patria y Vida,” she concluded.
Oniel Bebeshito's Subtle Political Message
Arderi’s statements come days after her partner Oniel Bebeshito stirred social media debate with what many interpreted as a political message.
The artist shared a video on Instagram singing the chorus of his song "Se va," performed with Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13.
Over the image was a phrase that caught attention: “Let them leave,” accompanied by a farewell emoji and the Cuban flag.
The song’s chorus, “And let them leave, everyone with their hands up,” paired with the current social context in Cuba and the national flag, led to diverse interpretations.
Followers flooded the comments with interpretations like “The Castro dictatorship?” and “Canel, the Castros, and the PCC are leaving,” while others urged for messages without double meanings and questioned if it was merely a promotional tactic for the song.
Although Bebeshito had not previously spoken publicly about the country's situation, his “Let them leave,” paired with the Cuban flag, was seen by many as a significant gesture amid national discussions.
With Rachel Arderi and Oniel Bebeshito both speaking out, it signifies a political awakening for the couple concerning Cuba.
Understanding the Political Climate in Cuba
What prompted Rachel Arderi to speak out against the Cuban regime?
Rachel Arderi was prompted to speak out against the Cuban regime after a follower on Instagram asked her about her views on the situation in Cuba. She took the opportunity to express her desire for the end of the dictatorship and share her personal journey of leaving Cuba.
How did Oniel Bebeshito's social media post create political debate?
Oniel Bebeshito's social media post created political debate by including a phrase “Let them leave” along with the Cuban flag, which many interpreted as a reference to the political powers in Cuba. This led to various interpretations and discussions among his followers.