It's official. Rumors have been swirling about a relationship between Cuban actress and Hollywood star Ana de Armas and the son of Lis Cuesta, who is reportedly an "advisor" to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. The story has now made headlines in the Spanish magazine Hola, known for its gossip and celebrity news.
What stands out in this narrative is that Díaz-Canel's so-called "advisor" is enjoying a romantic vacation with the "Marilyn Monroe" of La Colmenita at a time when Cuba is facing its most severe economic, energy, and social crises in history. Manuel Anido Cuesta, introduced globally as an "advisor" to his stepfather, remains a largely unknown figure to Cubans. He is rarely seen in the official delegations accompanying Díaz-Canel on international trips aimed at seeking aid, oil, and shady investments for the island.
A Shadowy Figure in Cuban Politics
Although he holds a law degree from the University of Havana, Anido Cuesta has no public office but has been spotted in the regime's official delegations. Díaz-Canel has introduced him as his "advisor," even presenting him to the Pope as the "family's opposition." Cubans, lacking the democratic tools to scrutinize their leaders, are left in the dark about Anido Cuesta's actual role, the subjects he advises on, why he accompanies Díaz-Canel on international tours, or who funds his travels, salary, or luxury accessories.
Extravagance Amid Despair
This "advisor" has been seen on presidential tours in the Middle East, notably sitting beside Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, carrying a Montblanc briefcase valued at $1,385. It's assumed his attire matches his opulent lifestyle.
In June 2023, Díaz-Canel told the Pope, "He's the son of 'her' [Lis Cuesta Peraza]. He graduated in law, works with me. He's the opposition in the family." Just five months later, Cuesta Peraza's son was photographed in the United Arab Emirates, grinning behind Díaz-Canel and Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Lavish Escapes as Cuba Crumbles
This November, amidst the regime's neglect, Anido Cuesta was spotted in Madrid with Ana de Armas, strolling with her dog through Spain's capital. Meanwhile, Cuba is in disarray: the electrical grid is collapsing, and life for Cubans is becoming an experiment without electricity, water, money, medicine, or public services. The Cuban regime's disdain and neglect are evident as Díaz-Canel's "advisor" basks in the nightlife of Madrid with a Hollywood starlet.
Nepotism, corruption, and theft by the Cuban regime are once again on full display, now gracing the pages of tabloids. Millions of Cubans suffer power outages and food insecurity, hundreds of thousands lack water, thousands are homeless due to hurricanes, and many are imprisoned for protesting and demanding their rights. Yet, the regime's leadership seems enchanted by this new "Kennedy-esque" trajectory.
From child star to Hollywood femme fatale, Ana de Armas may have unwittingly cemented her role as an agent of the regime.