The Cuban ambassador to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, has sparked controversy after sharing a mocking video targeting dissident José Daniel Ferrer and U.S. Representative Mike Waltz. The video emerged in the wake of an incident at the U.N. headquarters in New York, where Cuban diplomats clashed with activists highlighting repression in Cuba.
Posted on his social media account, the video features images of Waltz and Ferrer surrounded by pink hearts and set to music, humorously suggesting a romantic link between the two. The phrase "Love blossoms between Mike Waltz and José Daniel Ferrer" is prominently displayed over the visuals.
Soberón added a caption in English, stating, "A picture is worth a thousand words, and if it’s set to music, even better." The post concluded with the pro-government hashtag "Cuba is not a threat, the blockade is," a common slogan in Cuban campaigns opposing U.S. sanctions.
Criticism of Diplomatic Conduct
The video drew widespread criticism for its lack of professionalism, especially coming from a diplomat representing Cuba at the United Nations. Many users took to social media to express their disapproval of both the video's content and Soberón's conduct.
"The only ones who came out looking truly ridiculous are you," commented one user, criticizing the Cuban delegation's behavior. Another user remarked, "With that same 'love,' they are opening the world's eyes and rubbing the truth in their faces."
Critics also questioned the ethical standards of the Cuban representatives at the U.N., with one user suggesting they should step down for their lack of decorum. Another used wordplay to label the ambassador as part of the "diplochusma," implying a lack of sophistication and professionalism among Cuban diplomats.
Allegations of Homophobic Undertones
Some responses highlighted a possible homophobic undertone in the video's romantic insinuation. Others responded with sarcastic comments, continuing the ambassador's joke.
The controversy follows a report by Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego, who called attention to a separate incident during the Cuban delegation's protest at the U.N. In a Facebook post, Gallego pointed to a video clip shared by Ferrer, suggesting that a man in a black suit—allegedly part of the Cuban delegation—made a hand gesture resembling a bird's flapping wings amid shouts against the opposition. Gallego interpreted this as a homophobic gesture, referencing the derogatory use of the term "pájaro" in Cuba to describe gay men.
Historical Context of Discrimination
Gallego, who identified Soberón in the footage wearing a white guayabera, linked this behavior to Cuba's history of persecuting homosexuals, citing the Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP) as a significant example. He criticized the disparity between these historical actions and the current rhetoric of the Cuban government regarding LGBT rights.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
The video was released following a confrontation that took place on October 19 during the "Cuba Libre: The Oppression Havana Hides" event, hosted by the U.S. Permanent Mission to the U.N. Led by Mike Waltz, the gathering included former political prisoners, activists, and experts who condemned human rights abuses and other oppressive practices by the Cuban government.
The Cuban delegation staged a protest, reportedly shouting "terrorists" and "get out of the U.N." at the attendees. Soberón had previously criticized the event as a Washington-led political maneuver to discredit the Cuban government ahead of an upcoming General Assembly vote on the U.S. embargo, scheduled for October 27-28.
This incident unfolds amid increasing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, as the U.N. is set to revisit the resolution calling for an end to the embargo.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuban Diplomatic Controversy
What prompted the criticism of Ernesto Soberón Guzmán?
Cuban ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán faced criticism after posting a video mocking José Daniel Ferrer and Mike Waltz, which many viewed as unprofessional and lacking diplomatic decorum.
Why was the video considered controversial?
The video was seen as controversial because it mocked a political dissident and a U.S. representative, and was perceived to contain homophobic undertones.
How does this incident relate to historical discrimination in Cuba?
The incident is linked to Cuba's history of discrimination against homosexuals, particularly during the era of the Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP), as highlighted by journalist José Raúl Gallego.
What event led to the release of the video?
The video was released after a confrontation at the "Cuba Libre: The Oppression Havana Hides" event, organized by the U.S. at the United Nations, where Cuban delegates clashed with activists.