Michel Torres Corona Faces Social Media Backlash for Silence on "El Cangrejo" in TV Show

The most recent episode of the pro-government TV show Con Filo, hosted by Michel Torres Corona, became the target of widespread ridicule on Facebook due to what the host chose not to address: not a single mention of his own article criticizing "El Cangrejo," the grandson of Raúl Castro, whose interviews with American media recently stirred nationwide controversy.

Background of the Controversy

On July 9, Torres Corona penned an article titled "The Crab and the Vampire" on the Uruguayan website Mate Amargo. In it, he criticized Raúl Castro's grandson, a colonel in the Ministry of the Interior, who expressed willingness to negotiate with Trump while sporting Hugo Boss clothing, Hermès sneakers, and a Rolex watch in a USA Today interview.

After a brief absence from Con Filo, Torres Corona returned this week, reaffirming his commitment to the show. However, he tempered his staunch defense of the regime by acknowledging the struggles faced by most Cubans, such as power outages and other issues.

Social Media Mockery

The glaring omission of any reference to El Cangrejo dominated social media commentary.

"I thought he'd mention something about the Crab, but they must have warned him he'd disappear if he did. No second chances," remarked one user.

Another chimed in more bluntly, "Gordi, but did they scold you or not?"

With a touch of irony, a third user said, "Miche, if you're being threatened, open and close your hand three times."

Others noted a change in his demeanor: "He didn't seem as happy as usual, looked a bit down, probably because of the Crab," one user quipped.

Past Censorship and Criticism

Some reminded others that Torres Corona had previously been censored in April when he attempted to criticize Sandro Castro, Fidel's grandson, on-air. "Michelito, can you do a show on the little crab and the vampire? I doubt they'll let you. Did they ban it?" one commenter asked.

His use of the term "haters" for critics also drew ire. "Michel, you shouldn't use that phrase anymore. The Cuban government pleads with those same 'haters' to invest in the country... We're haters when it suits them," an emigrant pointed out.

One Cuban, weary of the regime, predicted, "It's a shame those with differing opinions don't have your media coverage on Cuban TV. One day, not too far off, you'll have to explain some things."

An image painted by another user dismantled his narrative: "Michel: we're not troubled. Ask a family with a bedridden elderly person, without solar panels, without ecoflow, watching how the heat worsens their bedsores, if they're troubled."

The most uncomfortable question came from another comment: "Michel, I ask you, why do I have to endure when it's the government's responsibility to address these problems? Why?"

Historical Ironies and Public Discontent

Some pointed out the historical irony: "One of the greatest ironies of the dictatorship is calling anyone who opposes their doctrine 'haters,' when it was Fidel who delivered endless speeches promoting hatred."

Others questioned who even saw the show: "Which Cuban could watch this program? Did anyone have power?" referencing the frequent blackouts plaguing the island.

"I think the only relief Cubans have from the blackouts is missing such awful programs with such poor hosts as this one," another user claimed.

The episode inadvertently highlighted the regime's contradictions: a propagandist criticizing the Castro elite in foreign media because he can't on the very TV show he hosts, while the Cuban people endure blackouts and shortages that no episode of Con Filo can resolve.