NEW YORK, Nov 15 (AFP) - Some 44 Cuban dancers, singers and musicians who were part of a touring musical revue have defected in Las Vegas, Nevada, in what is believed to be the largest mass defection of Cubans performers ever to the United States, US media reported Monday.
The New York Times reported that most of the artists were to deliver their applications for asylum Monday at the Federal Building in Las Vegas.
The performers had been booked at the Stardust Resort and Casino, where their "Havana Night Club" revue was due to open Tuesday.
"The only thing we regret is that our families in Cuba may suffer," Puro Hernandez, 31, the troupe's musical director, told the Times.
The daily reported that seven other members of the ensemble have already sought asylum from US officials in Berlin; they had been scheduled to Las Vegas in time for the show's opening.
The Times reported that several influential entertainers had help the Cuban performers get permission for the trip, including Hollywood actor Kevin Costner and Las Vegas night club legends Siegfried and Roy.
11/15/2004 17:13 GMT - AFP