Cuban actor Armando Tomey has once again voiced his support for freedom of expression, urging those who have yet to experience it to strive for it. "Those who don't know it, fight for it," he asserted, addressing the backlash and insults he receives for consistently speaking out against the Cuban regime.
In a Facebook reel, Tomey started with a sarcastic message to the "invisible army of Miguel Díaz-Canel" and the "dear clarias," before refuting claims that he receives payment for his political opinions.
"I am not paid to criticize communism; I have no need for that," the actor stated, explaining that he is a fulfilled man who enjoys his family, travels, and continues his acting career in Florida.
Tomey expressed that his criticisms stem from personal beliefs, using particularly blunt language to assert his right to speak out against both Fidel and Raúl Castro as well as former U.S. President Donald Trump.
"If I feel like cursing Fidel's mother, I'll do it, and Raúl's too... and Donald Trump's as well," he emphasized.
He labeled Fidel and Raúl Castro as "murderous dictators," and stressed that he can verbally attack Trump because he "lives in a free country."
The actor then centered his message around this comparison.
"Do you know what freedom is? Freedom is beautiful. So, those who don't know it, fight for it, and those who have it, don't disparage it, defend it," he expressed.
The Unyielding Stand of Armando Tomey
Tomey made it clear that social media disparagements won't alter his stance: "I won't lose sleep and will remain the same, and whenever I feel like criticizing the Cuban dictatorship, I will continue to do so," he affirmed.
Part of his response was directed at those who question his acting skills.
He reminded critics of his nearly 30-year career in Cuban television, having appeared in soap operas, series, and other programs. He questioned why he received acting awards and leading roles if, as some detractors claim, he was a poor performer.
Support for Fellow Critics
His recent statements follow his public praise for Luis Alberto García for maintaining his critiques from within Cuba.
At the premiere of the second season of "Maldita Raíz" in Miami, Tomey contrasted the freedom he enjoys to speak out in the U.S. with the dangers faced by artists who challenge authorities while remaining on the island.
In the same speech, he recalled being detained years ago after shouting "Down with Fidel!" at Havana's Comodoro Hotel.
He recounted being taken to a cell and later released, something he attributed to his status as a well-known Cuban television actor.
Persistent Advocacy for Freedom
Tomey's advocacy for freedom has been a recurring theme in his recent messages.
In early August, he urged Cubans to engage in peaceful resistance and argued that they couldn't keep waiting for Trump or other external figures to shape the island's future.
"The Cuban people must do something for themselves," he stated.
Days earlier, he coined the term "irreversible neurocastrismo" to describe the pain felt by many emigrants thinking about Cuba's situation.
In that message, he depicted the island as a "giant prison" and called on Díaz-Canel to allow Cubans to determine their own destiny.
Key Insights into Armando Tomey's Advocacy
Why does Armando Tomey criticize the Cuban regime?
Armando Tomey's criticisms are rooted in his personal convictions and his support for freedom of expression, which he believes is stifled in Cuba.
How does Armando Tomey view freedom?
Tomey views freedom as a beautiful and essential right. He encourages those unfamiliar with freedom to fight for it, and those who have it to defend it.
What is Tomey's stance on social media criticisms?
Tomey is undeterred by social media criticisms, stating that they will not affect his stance or his freedom to speak out against the Cuban dictatorship.