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Boncó Quiñongo Fires Back at Critics for Skipping Anti-Dictatorship Protest in Washington

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 by Michael Hernandez

Cuban comedian Boncó Quiñongo faced backlash on social media for not attending the anti-dictatorship protest in Washington, organized by influencer Alexander Otaola. In a candid video, later shared on Instagram by the profile Papel Encara, Boncó lashed out at his critics, likening them to those in Cuba who forced people to attend pro-revolution marches and parades.

"I don't want to hear people saying that I have to be in Washington, because it's the same as in Cuba when they would tell you to skip work for a march, and someone from the committee would note down who attended and who didn't. So, what are we achieving?" Boncó questioned.

One criticism seemed to stem from his promotion of a travel agency between Cuba and Punta Cana. Boncó clarified that the agency does not profit the island's regime but rather aims to reunite Cuban families separated in the Dominican Republic.

"I wholeheartedly support those who are there, but if we start doing what was done to us in Cuba, checking who attended and who didn't, it leads to division, which I disagree with. If my enemy is in front of me and you are also against the dictatorship, there's no reason for us to fight just because we have different approaches to overthrowing the regime," the comedian asserted.

According to Boncó, Cubans' pride leads them to discredit each other when they disagree, while the common enemy, the dictatorship, continues to "watch us divided and keeps defeating us."

On January 28, dozens of Cubans gathered at Lafayette Square, near the White House, to urge President Donald Trump to increase pressure on the Cuban regime and demand freedom for Cuba and its political prisoners.

Understanding the Boncó Quiñongo Controversy

Why was Boncó Quiñongo criticized for not attending the Washington protest?

Boncó Quiñongo was criticized for not attending the protest against the Cuban dictatorship in Washington, as some viewed his absence as a lack of support for the cause.

What was Boncó's response to the criticism?

Boncó responded by comparing his critics to those who enforced attendance at pro-revolution events in Cuba, arguing that such behavior leads to division rather than unity against the dictatorship.

What did Boncó say about the travel agency he promoted?

Boncó clarified that the travel agency he promoted does not support the Cuban regime but instead facilitates the reunion of Cuban families separated in the Dominican Republic.

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