Celebrities

Ana de Armas slammed for romance with Cuban President’s stepson

Published 3 weeks ago on Nov 22, 2024

Cuban-born actress Ana de Armas, 36, has come under fire after her relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, became public. The Knives Out star, who left Cuba for Spain at the age of 18 to pursue her acting career, now faces accusations of hypocrisy and insensitivity from fellow Cubans and international critics.

De Armas, a globally recognized figure celebrated for her performances in Hollywood blockbusters, is now embroiled in controversy surrounding her romantic choice. Manuel Anido Cuesta, 26, is the son of Díaz-Canel’s wife, Lis Cuesta, from a previous marriage. Anido Cuesta is also a lawyer and a close advisor to the Cuban president, frequently appearing alongside him at international events, including visits to the Vatican and the UAE.

The Backlash on Social Media

The revelation of their relationship has triggered a storm of criticism online, with many accusing de Armas of aligning herself with a regime her own family has vocally opposed. Comments have flooded social media platforms, with users expressing disbelief and anger.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked:

"Ana de Armas left Cuba to pursue a career and life in America… just to end up dating the Cuban dictator’s son… wtf?"

Another added:

"Ana de Armas is dating the stepson of the tyrant that runs the dictatorship she ran away from? This is bad. This is very bad."

Activist Agustín Antonetti also shared his outrage, writing:

"These images must travel the world, people must not have mercy. The famous actress Ana de Armas was photographed in Madrid with the Cuban genocidal Manuel Anido Cuesta, stepson of the dictator Díaz-Canel and possible successor. They are a couple. Murderers. Enjoying Madrid as if nothing was happening."

In response to the growing backlash, Ana de Armas has restricted comments on her Instagram posts, avoiding direct engagement with critics.

Cuba's Political Climate and Díaz-Canel’s Role

The criticism stems from the broader dissatisfaction with Díaz-Canel’s government. As Cuba’s first leader in six decades not surnamed Castro, Díaz-Canel was selected to continue the legacy of Fidel and Raúl Castro. His tenure has been marked by economic collapse, human rights abuses, and an inability to address the nation’s worsening crises.

Under Díaz-Canel’s leadership, Cuba has faced:

Severe energy and food shortages
Rising inflation
Large-scale emigration, particularly to the United States
Widespread blackouts that have left millions without power

The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo for its struggles, but critics argue that internal mismanagement and a lack of investment in renewable energy have exacerbated the crisis.

Ana de Armas’ Family Ties to Anti-Regime Activism

Adding another layer to the controversy is Ana de Armas’ family history. Her brother, Javier Caso, is an outspoken activist against the Cuban regime. In 2020, Caso was interrogated by authorities in Cuba for his connections to opposition artists and activists. A year later, he participated in a hunger strike alongside artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, protesting the government’s policies.

For many, this familial connection amplifies the perceived betrayal in de Armas’ romantic involvement with Anido Cuesta, whose stepfather represents the very regime her brother has fought against.

Anido Cuesta’s Lifestyle Amid Cuba’s Economic Struggles

Manuel Anido Cuesta has also faced scrutiny for allegedly living a luxurious lifestyle abroad while the majority of Cubans endure poverty and hardship. Critics have pointed to his frequent travels and appearances at international events as evidence of a life disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Cubans.

Cuba is currently enduring one of its worst economic and energy crises since the 1990s “Special Period” following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels, with minimal investment in renewable energy sources despite abundant sunshine. While aid from Venezuela dwindled during its own economic collapse, Cuba recently turned to Russia for support, receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in fuel in recent years.

However, these measures have done little to alleviate the suffering of the Cuban population. Frustrations over gas price hikes, inflation, and food shortages have led to rare public protests, challenging the government’s authoritarian grip.

De Armas’ Journey from Cuba to Hollywood

Ana de Armas moved to Spain at 18 and later gained international fame through roles in films like Blade Runner 2049, Knives Out, and No Time to Die. Her success has made her a source of pride for many Cubans. However, her latest relationship has sparked a reevaluation of her legacy among her compatriots.

Before dating Anido Cuesta, de Armas was in a relationship with Paul Boukadakis, the vice president of Tinder.

The Road Ahead

As the backlash against Ana de Armas continues to grow, her decision to restrict comments on social media suggests an attempt to shield herself from the public outcry. However, critics argue that silence may only fuel further resentment, particularly among those who see her actions as a betrayal of her roots and her family’s anti-regime stance.

This controversy not only sheds light on the complex intersections of fame, politics, and personal relationships but also highlights the ongoing struggles of the Cuban people under an oppressive regime. Whether Ana de Armas addresses the criticism publicly remains to be seen, but the debate surrounding her relationship has undoubtedly sparked a global conversation about privilege, responsibility, and the power of public figures to influence perception.

Comments

Written news comments are in no way https://www.showbizglow.com it does not reflect the opinions and thoughts of. Comments are binding on the person who wrote them.