MIAMI —Lina Luaces, recently crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025, is facing sharp criticism from Cuba's state-controlled press, which has accused the beauty pageant of being a "superficial" industry that "objectifies" women. The backlash revives rhetoric used by Fidel Castro more than six decades ago to ban Cuban participation in international beauty contests.
Luaces, 22, is the daughter of popular Univision host Lili Estefan, from El Gordo y la Flaca, and niece of Grammy-winning musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan. She represented Santiago de Cuba in the Miss Universe Cuba competition, held in Miami for the second consecutive year, and will compete at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.
Official Cuban Criticism
In an article titled ¿Quién define qué es "ser Cuba" en Miss Universo?, the island's pro-government media questioned Luaces's legitimacy to represent the nation. The piece pointed out that she was born in Miami, has never visited Santiago de Cuba, and "does not speak fluent Spanish." It argued that her selection reflected a definition of Cuban identity disconnected from life on the island.
The state press also attacked the Miss Universe organization itself, calling it "an industry that profits from entertainment and beauty from a superficial perspective" and alleging it perpetuates the objectification of women. These arguments mirror those used by Fidel Castro in the early 1960s when Cuba withdrew from global beauty competitions.
A Historic Return and Renewed Debate
Cuba only returned to the Miss Universe stage in 2024 after a 57-year absence, with Miami-based organizers overseeing the selection process. Luaces's victory was meant to mark another step in the country's reentry into the pageant world, but the state media's strong denunciations have reignited debate over the meaning of national representation.
Critics in Cuban media question whether someone raised entirely outside the island, with limited connection to its daily realities, can authentically speak for Cuban women on a global stage. Supporters counter that the Cuban diaspora is an integral part of the nation's identity, and representation should include all who share Cuban heritage.
Social Media Reaction
Amid the controversy, Luaces has continued her preparations for the Miss Universe competition, which will take place on November 21 in Thailand. In her social media, Luaces shows her intensive training, fitness routines, and cultural presentations that she hopes will showcase Cuban traditions. She has not directly responded to the state media criticisms, focusing instead on presenting her version of Cuban identity before a global audience.
The official criticism has fueled discussions across social networks, both on the island and abroad. Many users in Cuba echoed the state narrative, while others in the diaspora defended Luaces, emphasizing her right to celebrate her heritage and challenge stereotypes about Cuban women.
Some voices within the pageant community argue that the attacks are politically motivated, targeting Luaces not for her qualifications but because of her family ties to high-profile Cuban Americans who have been critical of the Havana government.
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