Her new relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel, has caused a stir both in Cuba and abroad.
Ana de Armas, the Cuban actress who has conquered Hollywood with her talent and elegance, is now making headlines for something other than her career. Her new relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel, has caused a stir both in Cuba and internationally.
Manuel Anido, 27, is a lawyer and the son of Lis Cuesta, the First Lady of Cuba. Although he does not hold an official political position, his proximity to power is evident. He has accompanied his mother and the Cuban president on international tours, diplomatic meetings, and official events. His presence in elite circles contrasts with the harsh reality faced by millions of Cubans.
On one occasion, Díaz-Canel referred to Manuel as “the opposition of the family,” a comment that generated laughter but also raised eyebrows, as his lifestyle seems far removed from that label. Despite government speeches promoting austerity and “creative resistance,” Manuel has been photographed enjoying lavish dinners, exclusive trips, and wearing luxury items, such as a Montblanc briefcase valued at over $1,000.
The controversy erupted after ¡HOLA! magazine published a report capturing Ana and Manuel strolling through the streets of Madrid after dinner at an exclusive restaurant. The images confirmed rumors that had been circulating for months about a relationship between the two.
The contrast between their backgrounds is clear. Ana de Armas left Cuba at 18 to seek opportunities in Spain and later triumphed in Hollywood. Her career has been meteoric, with prominent roles in films like Knives Out and Blonde. She has also attracted attention for her past relationships with figures such as Ben Affleck and Paul Boukadakis, the vice president of Tinder.
On the other hand, Manuel Anido, although far from the limelight of cinema, has lived surrounded by privileges as part of the ruling elite in Cuba. His life of luxury and his connection with such a visible figure as Ana de Armas have not gone unnoticed, especially at a time of deep economic crisis on the island, where millions are struggling with shortages, prolonged blackouts, and poverty.
The romance has sparked a debate on social media and in the media. Some criticize the relationship, seeing it as an insulting contrast to the Cuban reality. Others defend Ana de Armas, arguing that her personal life should not be subject to political scrutiny.