A Cuban woman who has been living in Spain for six years shared a troubling encounter on TikTok involving a childhood friend still residing in Cuba. The friend demanded that she find a Spanish man to help her emigrate, and when she refused, the friend accused her of being "ungrateful" and "selfish" before ending their friendship.
Known on the platform as @yannalacubanita, Yanna posted a video exceeding nine minutes on Wednesday, detailing how her friend called her, insisting she connect her with a Spanish man. The friend argued that, after six years in Spain, Yanna should have enough acquaintances to facilitate such a request.
"I'm not a dating app to set people up," Yanna replied, explaining her unwillingness to bear the responsibility for any consequences that might arise from such relationships.
The content creator highlighted her awareness of Cuban women who arrived in Spain through relationships with foreigners and subsequently faced abuse, kidnapping, and severe psychological trauma.
The Reality Behind Idealized Images of Europe
Despite Yanna's reasoning, her friend in Cuba remained adamant: if Yanna refused to help, she wasn't a true friend, and it would be best not to communicate further.
"You need to solve your own problems," Yanna responded, pointing out that when she left Cuba, her friend didn't offer any financial assistance.
Yanna also used the video to debunk the idealized image many Cubans have of Europe: "Don't believe everything you see on social media. There are many Spaniards here who can barely support themselves. They save up for a long time and go to Cuba with a thousand or two thousand dollars, and suddenly they think they're millionaires."
The friend had reportedly taken a similar stance with others in her circle, ceasing communication when they couldn't fulfill her requests.
A Growing Trend of Public Denunciations
At the video's conclusion, Yanna announced her decision to block her friend: "That's it for me. I blocked her. Whatever happens to her doesn't concern me anymore."
Yanna's testimony adds to a growing trend of Cuban women abroad publicly denouncing the pressures they face from the island and the risks of "love at first visa" — situations where migration motives eclipse genuine emotions.
In March 2026, another Cuban woman living in Italy, identified as @prospera000, went viral for criticizing Italian men who travel to Cuba seeking partners, only to later control them with phrases like "thanks to me, you're here." She delivered a direct message: "An independent woman kneels to no one."
This context unfolds against a backdrop of an unprecedented migration crisis: independent estimates suggest that 545,000 individuals have left Cuba in recent years, intensifying social pressure on those who have managed to settle abroad.
Understanding the Cuban Migration Crisis
What prompted Yanna to share her story on TikTok?
Yanna shared her story to highlight the pressures and unrealistic expectations placed on Cuban emigrants by friends and family still in Cuba.
What risks did Yanna mention regarding relationships with foreigners?
Yanna pointed out the dangers some Cuban women face when entering relationships with foreigners, including abuse, kidnapping, and severe psychological issues.
How does Yanna view the image of Europe among Cubans?
Yanna warns against the idealized perception of Europe that many Cubans have, noting that not all Europeans are wealthy and many struggle to make ends meet.