Ana de Armas Accused of Betraying Her Cuban Roots Through Relationship with Cuba’s Dictator’s Stepson, Manuel Anido Cuesta 

Ana de Armas, who once left Cuba in pursuit of a life beyond the confines of dictatorship, now finds herself entangled in controversy as her romantic involvement with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban Dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel, ignites fierce criticism. Her relationship has drawn sharp rebukes from Cubans and the diaspora, accusing the actress of aligning herself with the very regime she distanced herself from years ago. 

 

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What Is Going on with Ana de Armas?

Critics have called out the irony of Ana’s connection to Anido Cuesta, who is often seen accompanying Díaz-Canel at official events and is accused of living a life of luxury while most Cubans endure crippling poverty. The discontent stems from the stark contrast between Ana’s decision to leave Cuba at 18 and her current association with a family emblematic of the dictatorship’s oppressive legacy. 

Anido Cuesta, 26, is no stranger to the privileges of power, attending international trips with Díaz-Canel to places like the Vatican and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the Cuban people suffer through severe economic hardship, including food shortages, inflation, and widespread power outages. The regime, led by Díaz-Canel, continues to blame U.S. sanctions, yet critics point to decades of mismanagement and corruption as the root cause. 

Ana’s critics highlight her past criticisms of Cuba’s repressive system, contrasting it with her current relationship, which they see as a betrayal. Many Cubans view her actions as turning a blind eye to the struggles of her homeland. Yet, the actress, now 36, has remained silent amid the firestorm, limiting comments on her social media accounts to curb the flood of online backlash.  

Cuba Continues to Struggle

Cuba continues to grapple with its most severe economic and energy crisis in decades. With inflation soaring and power outages leaving millions without electricity for days, citizens are increasingly frustrated. An estimated two million Cubans have emigrated, many to the U.S., in search of a better life, further illustrating the divide between those who remain and those who escape. 

Now, Díaz-Canel’s administration has been marked by deepening economic collapse and social unrest. The “special period” of hardship currently gripping Cuba has sparked rare protests and growing dissent. Anido Cuesta, as an advisor to the president and a visible member of his inner circle, is viewed by many as emblematic of the privilege enjoyed by the ruling elite, untouched by the daily struggles faced by ordinary Cubans. 

The Cuban government’s narrative, blaming the country’s plight on U.S. sanctions, has done little to sway the anger of those who see systemic corruption and decades of failed policies as the true culprits. Critics argue that Ana’s romantic involvement with someone so closely tied to the regime undermines her credibility and alienates her from those who once viewed her as an emblem of Cuban resilience and independence. 

What’s Next? 

Ana de Armas has yet to publicly address the criticism or clarify her stance on the allegations surrounding her relationship. Her silence, however, has not dampened the outrage among Cubans, both on the island and abroad, who see the romance as a symbolic alignment with a regime that perpetuates widespread human rights abuses. 

The backlash also raises broader questions about public figures and their perceived responsibility to remain aligned with the values they once espoused. Her status as an internationally acclaimed actress, celebrated for her breakout role in Knives Out and her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, has made her a cultural icon. Still, her connection to Cuba’s political elite now risks overshadowing her professional achievements. 

For a woman who once sought freedom from the shadow of dictatorship, her relationship with Anido Cuesta has become a lightning rod for debate over loyalty, privilege, and the enduring scars of Cuba’s political history. Whether she chooses to respond or continue her silence, the scrutiny surrounding her choices shows no signs of waning.