Ana de Armas, the Hollywood actress and Cuban national, has recently found herself at the center of controversy following an incident at a luxury restaurant in Madrid involving her boyfriend, Manuel Anido Cuesta. Anido Cuesta is linked to Cuba’s communist regime as the stepson of President Miguel Díaz-Canel and a close adviser. The drama unfolded when a journalist from ADN Cuba challenged Cuesta about the dire state of affairs in Cuba, a country that has suffered under communism for over six decades and is currently facing a profound humanitarian crisis. The situation escalated when the journalist confronted Cuesta about the regime’s political repression, including the imprisonment of over 1,000 political prisoners, prompting an emotional response from de Armas.
De Armas, who fled Cuba as a teenager to pursue her career in acting, has faced significant backlash from both Cubans living in the country and those in exile due to her relationship with Cuesta. This public backlash intensified after details of their relationship were reported in late November, revealing them seen sharing romantic moments in Madrid. The context of their relationship has fueled outrage, especially considering the ongoing suffering experienced by many Cubans as a result of failed communist policies and ongoing economic hardships leading to mass emigration.
During the encounter at the BiBo restaurant, the ADN Cuba journalist urged Cuesta to acknowledge the responsibility of his stepfather’s regime in “destroying the whole country” and highlighted the plight of ordinary Cubans. Cuesta’s subdued and seemingly dismissive responses drew further irritation from the journalist, who also suggested that de Armas should be paying for their meal rather than treating it as an expense covered by Cuban taxpayers. This pointed jab about the economic disparity between the couple’s lavish dinner and the struggle faced by average Cubans struck a nerve, causing de Armas to react with visible anger and use derogatory language toward the journalist.
Witnesses reported that de Armas stood up in defense of her boyfriend and refused to back down from her emotional outburst. Despite Anido Cuesta’s attempts to calm her by covering her face with his hand, de Armas continued to express her frustration and reiterated her insult. This incident has further complicated her public image, especially in the light of her past claims of having fled the oppression of a communist regime. Many are questioning her current association with a prominent figure within that same political structure, which many believe directly contributes to the suffering of the Cuban population.
The luxury lifestyle epitomized by BiBo, a high-class restaurant with a menu that includes meals costing over $100 per person, stands in stark contrast to the conditions most Cubans face daily. The restaurant and its offerings serve as a glaring reminder of the socio-economic divide exacerbated by the economically repressive policies of the Cuban government. The juxtaposition of de Armas dining at such an extravagant venue while her fellow Cubans endure significant hardships adds to the criticism she has faced for her romantic ties to Cuesta.
The incident highlights broader themes of privilege, guilt, and the complexities of personal relationships amid political turmoil. Critics argue that de Armas’s relationship with someone closely associated with the Cuban regime not only diminishes her previous claims of fleeing oppression but also raises questions regarding her understanding of the struggles faced by her fellow Cubans. Her outburst in the restaurant illustrates the often passionate and volatile intersection of celebrity culture, political realities, and personal connections, as de Armas navigates her identity as a Cuban expatriate in the Hollywood spotlight while grappling with her ties to those in power in her home country.