On Thursday, a social media account aligned with the Cuban regime launched an attack on comedian Wilber Gutiérrez, better known as “Heriberto Chacón” from the show "Vivir del Cuento," upon his recent arrival in Miami. The user, Frank Enrique, who is recognized for his support of the regime, expressed his disdain on Facebook with a message filled with scorn: “Another one for the graveyard. This character has now joined the sewers of Miami. I don't criticize him for emigrating; it's a right, but arriving and talking nonsense is another thing.”
The regime supporter claimed that “Heriberto Chacón” will follow a so-called “repeated pattern” concerning the lives of many Cuban expatriates in Miami. “He arrives, talks the same... as always, a few influencers interview him, maybe Univista gives him a job, he gets fired before the year is out, starts a YouTube channel because no one wants to hire him, and goodbye Chacón, the flower died, buried in Miami. Just another one of the bunch,” he concluded.
This social media attack highlights the contemptuous rhetoric that some regime-affiliated profiles often direct at Cuban artists and public figures who choose to emigrate, especially if they opt to expose the Cuban political system's realities after leaving the country.
Gutiérrez arrived in the United States fleeing the Cuban regime, and beyond the typical colorful balloons and embraces from loved ones, he directed some truths at leader Miguel Díaz-Canel that he likely had to suppress to avoid censorship. “Thank you very much to all the family who came to welcome us. Here’s Heriberto Chacón from Vivir del Cuento, well, what’s left, what Díaz-Canel left behind,” Gutiérrez expressed in the video, blending gratitude with criticism of Cuba's current situation.
Since November, the independent outlet CubaNet reported that the popular comedian Gutiérrez was in Mexico, based on statements from a producer of the Cuban comedy show and a close friend.
Gutiérrez's departure adds him to a growing list of main actors from “Vivir del Cuento” who have left the island in search of new opportunities, highlighting the crisis within Cuba's cultural sector. Others who have emigrated in recent years include Andy Vázquez (Facundo Correcto), Omar Franco (Ruperto), Irela Bravo (Chachita), and Marlon Pijuán (Isidoro), all of whom now reside outside Cuba. Of the main characters from the iconic series, only Luis Silva (Pánfilo) and Mario Sardiñas (Chequera) remain in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Comedians Emigrating
Why did Wilber Gutiérrez emigrate to Miami?
Wilber Gutiérrez emigrated to Miami to escape the oppressive Cuban regime and to seek new opportunities, as well as to freely express his criticisms of the Cuban political system.
What challenges do Cuban comedians face after emigrating?
Cuban comedians often face challenges such as finding employment and adjusting to a new cultural environment. They may also face criticism from regime supporters, as seen in the case of Wilber Gutiérrez.