Kaylah Walton
Ana de Armas, a well-known actress from Hollywood, has recently attracted significant attention—not due to her performances but because of her personal life. The Cuban actress is under fire after news emerged about her relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, connected to Cuba’s controversial government.
Recent images revealed de Armas walking in Madrid with Cuesta, who is a decade younger than her. Unlike typical celebrity romances, this relationship has incited serious discussion owing to Cuesta’s familial relationships. He is the stepson of Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the current president of Cuba and the appointed successor of Raul Castro. As the head of both the Communist Party and the government, Díaz-Canel represents the continuation of a regime known for human rights violations and stringent political oppression.
Many critics have openly expressed their disapproval, especially considering de Armas’ origins. Originally from Cuba, she lived there until she was 18 before chasing her aspirations internationally. Observers highlight the irony of her relationship with someone associated with a regime that has been responsible for the suffering of many, including her family.
“Seeing Ana de Armas with someone tied to the regime that harmed so many Cubans, including her own family, is disheartening,” commented one social media user.
Some have even suggested ulterior motives. “Has Ana de Armas always had a hidden loyalty to the regime she fled?” asked one online remark.
De Armas is under pressure for her romantic choices
In spite of the backlash, some individuals have come to her aid, asserting that her experiences in Cuba offer a distinct perspective. “She experienced the realities faced by Cubans for nearly two decades,” defended a supporter, implying that critics may be oversimplifying the matter.
The timing of this controversy is critical for de Armas’ career. Following her rapid ascent to fame during the 2010s—culminating in an Oscar nomination for her role as Marilyn Monroe—her latest projects have failed to achieve significant acclaim. Nevertheless, she is poised to take a starring role in the eagerly awaited John Wick spinoff, Ballerina, which might revitalize her career.
How her personal life will affect her professional future remains uncertain. For now, Ana de Armas is coping with a wave of criticism regarding her romantic decisions, with many questioning how this relationship reflects her Cuban background and the oppressive regime from which she distanced herself.
