Singer Cándido Fabré has criticized the silence from official media and cultural authorities in Cuba regarding the death of actor Carlos Massola. He emphasized that, regardless of political opinions, Massola's career and family deserved respect.
"There is no farewell for the immortals. Beyond political views, the actor, 'Gordo Massola,' deserves a mention in Cuban media, especially in cultural sections, out of respect for his family and his artistic career," Fabré wrote on Facebook this Wednesday.
"The people feel such indifference. To honor is to be honored. There are many who are neither refined nor newsworthy, yet they make the news. Enough already," the artist added.
Despite his opinion, which many of his followers praised and supported, what was puzzling is that Fabré, the singer from La Original de Manzanillo, accompanied his post with a photo of himself alongside spy Gerardo Hernández.
Some believe he made a mistake in choosing the photo for his message, while others think it was too obvious an error not to notice right away, leaving the mystery unsolved. Several have suggested Fabré tell Gerardo, a government representative in the realm of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), that oversights like the omission of Massola's death should cease in Cuba.
"You should tell this to the person next to you," one netizen asserted.
"The photo doesn't match the message unless it's directed at him," another commenter pointed out.
As of now, there is no explanation for Fabré's lapse.
Calls for Recognition
Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as "Lara Crofs," proposed that the date of Carlos Massola's death be declared as "Disident Artist Day."
"The miserable, deafening silence from the island's establishment served no purpose. Their tremendous lack of humanity and tact towards one of their own, who gave so much to this people through his art, has made him immortal," Laffita wrote in an emotional social media post this Wednesday.
The activist suggested that from now on, July 3rd be considered Disident Artist Day in Cuba in honor of Carlos Massola.
"The people should unite once more to honor Carlos, an artist, yes, but also a Cuban of these times," Laffita concluded in a proposal that went viral within hours on social media.
The death of actor Carlos Massola, who in recent years frequently voiced his opposition to the Cuban government, was completely ignored by cultural authorities on the island.
To date, no official Cuban cultural institution has acknowledged Massola's death on their social media profiles. Neither the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), the Ministry of Culture (MINCULT), the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT), nor the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC) have commented on the actor's passing. Cultural news programs on television and print media have also remained silent.
In the midst of the official silence surrounding Carlos Massola's death, the Assembly of Cuban Filmmakers published a subdued text on Thursday, over 24 hours after his passing, lamenting the actor's death while using euphemisms to refer to his political rebellion.
Despite the official silence, Massola has not lacked recognition and spontaneous tributes from many of his colleagues, as well as the affection of the people, who appreciated the actor's courage to express his political views without censorship or euphemisms.
Cuban Media Silence on Carlos Massola’s Death
In light of the Cuban media's silence on Carlos Massola's death, we have compiled a series of questions and answers to provide further insight into the situation.
Why did Cándido Fabré criticize the official media?
Cándido Fabré criticized the official media for ignoring the death of actor Carlos Massola, emphasizing that his career and family deserved respect regardless of political opinions.
Who is Yamilka Laffita and what did she propose?
Yamilka Laffita, known as "Lara Crofs" on social media, is a Cuban activist who proposed that July 3rd be declared "Disident Artist Day" in honor of Carlos Massola.
What was the reaction of the official Cuban cultural institutions?
Official Cuban cultural institutions, including UNEAC, MINCULT, ICRT, and ICAIC, have not acknowledged Carlos Massola's death on their social media profiles or in any official capacity.