Cuban singer Leoni Torres is the target of multiple criticisms because he agreed to sing the Cuban national anthem at the Miami Marlins stadium during the event for Cuban Heritage Day, next May 18.
Although the celebration is usually on May 20, the day of the establishment of the republic of Cuba, this year it will be celebrated on the Saturday before the day, for a family event in the famous stadium.
Through his social networks, Torres announced that he had accepted the offer to sing the anthem, and declared that that day “history will be made,” but the reaction he received was not what he expected.
Many users criticized Leoni’s decision to cooperate with the false recognition of the Miami baseball team, after in 2023 they prevented Cuban fans from entering the stadium with Cuban flags and t-shirts with the opposition slogan “Patria y Vida.”
The public has not forgiven the incident that occurred during the Cuba-USA game during the World Baseball Classic last May, and many did not hesitate to remind the singer of the situation.
Faced with this situation, the performer has come out to defend himself online, stating that singing the anthem is a show of support for Cubans.
“I’m not doing it for the Marlins, I’m doing it for the oppressed Cubans in our land. The struggle anthem must be sung where everyone can see it,” he stated on his Facebook.
After one of those affected by the Marlins’ action questioned him, Leoni stated in denial that precisely singing the anthem would compensate for what happened.
“I was one of those who were not allowed to enter the stadium for having a Patria y Vida sign, violating my freedom of expression,” the user told her.
“I’m going to sing the anthem for you and for all those who suffered that. This is my way of supporting you and freedom,” Leoni responded.
“Forbidden to forget what the Marlins did! Let them sing whatever they are going to sing in favor of the freedom of the Cuban people! “I wouldn’t go!” exclaimed another user.
“If you don’t want to be part of the freedom of your island, I respect you. Now respect those who raise their voices for yours,” replied the singer, when in reality he is being questioned precisely for not raising his voice for what happened.
Other users, who claim to be his fans, also considered that he has the wrong position, although they tried to let him know in a more kind way.
“What a way to support Cubans, singing in a place where they closed the doors to Cubans who were going to express themselves against the dictatorship”; “The problem is not that you sing the anthem. The problem with all this is that many Cubans like you wanted to express themselves against the dictatorship during the game against Team Asere and they were not allowed to enter the stadium. “So, what is the Cuban pride in appearing there?” questioned another.
In Leoni’s opinion, it was the regime that did a very great job of dividing the people. “And the saddest thing is that he did it. Cubans against Cubans,” he lamented.
For now, Leoni has some people who support him, such as his wife, actress Yuliet Cruz, and comedians Luis Silva and Rigoberto Ferrera.
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