The mother of late Cuban actor Carlos Massola, who passed away in Havana last Wednesday, July 3, expressed her sorrow this Saturday over the loss of her only son. Gladys Escandell Pérez thanked the friends of her son, including unnamed directors and actors, for their respect and solidarity, but also criticized those who had made malicious comments.
"To all the people who have shown solidarity with his death, I appreciate it very much, but there are also people who haven't told the truth as it should be," she said in a video published by the independent outlet Cubanet.
"Even so, at this moment, here in Cuba, there are colleagues who worked with him... who have called me, have shown solidarity with me, because they know me and know that my mind at this moment and always has been in perfect condition," the grieving mother confessed.
Final Days and Sudden Passing
Regarding the days leading up to her son's death and the events that led to Carlos Massola's sudden passing, his mother recounted that it was her son's decision to lock himself in his room for four days, refusing even to open the door for her.
"Carlos refused to go to the doctor. He felt unwell, and I, not wanting to upset him because he felt bad, did not open the room. I did tell him through the door that he needed to see a doctor, but he refused," she explained in the video, which received numerous expressions of respect for the late actor and his mother shortly after being posted.
She clarified her comments for "the people who have spread things that are not true. If he locked himself in that room, it was because he didn't want to see a doctor, didn't want to see anything. It was his decision," repeated the 84-year-old woman.
"Carlos was my only son. Who doesn't love a child? Please, show some respect," she pleaded through tears to those who have not shown compassion in their criticism of the deceased actor.
Carlos Massola passed away in Havana at the age of 62 from a hypovolemic shock, according to a family doctor. His remains were cremated as per his wishes, according to CubaNet citing family sources.
After a seven-hour wait for the funeral car, denounced by his daughter in a brief Facebook live, the artist's body was removed from his home in the Cerro municipality with the help of firefighters and taken to the Bernardo García Funeral Home on Zanja Street last Wednesday. Massola's mother spent many hours with her son's lifeless body.
Political Repercussions and Tributes
Massola had become a troublesome figure for the regime due to his denunciations of the Cuban government's abuses. As a result, his death was completely ignored by Cuba's cultural authorities. No official cultural institution or state-run media outlet acknowledged his passing.
Amid the official silence, the Assembly of Cuban Filmmakers published a brief text on Thursday, more than 24 hours after his death, expressing regret over the incident while using a couple of euphemisms to refer to the actor's political rebellion.
Despite the official silence, Massola received tributes from many of his colleagues and the affection of the people, who appreciated the actor's courage to express his political ideas and denounce the government for its inefficiency, corruption, human rights violations, and repression of freedoms.
FAQs about Carlos Massola's Life and Legacy
In light of the recent events surrounding Carlos Massola's passing, many people have questions about his life, his final days, and his legacy. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What was the cause of Carlos Massola's death?
Carlos Massola passed away due to a hypovolemic shock, as determined by a family doctor.
Why was Carlos Massola's death ignored by Cuban authorities?
Carlos Massola had become a controversial figure for the Cuban regime due to his outspoken criticism of government abuses. As a result, his death was completely ignored by Cuba's cultural authorities and state-run media.
How did Carlos Massola's colleagues and the public react to his death?
Despite the official silence, many of Carlos Massola's colleagues and the general public paid tribute to him, appreciating his courage to voice his political beliefs and denounce governmental corruption and human rights violations.