Despite the widespread protests on July 11, 2021, the incarceration of thousands of demonstrators, and the island-wide blackout in October 2024, Cuban actress Ana de Armas, an Oscar nominee for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in "Blonde," has not uttered a single word of empathy. She remained silent even when her brother, photographer Javier Caso, was questioned by state security. The plight of Cuba as a nation seems to leave her unbothered in her seemingly perfect world. Her boldest statement has been that she needed to leave the island to grow, a journey that started with her rise to fame in the Spanish TV series "El Internado." Her career has since soared, earning her a nomination for Best Actress by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Yet, Ana de Armas's prolonged silence about Cuba speaks volumes, especially after the magazine Hola! unveiled her romantic involvement with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. The revelation, which had been hinted at by Otaola, raises questions about her motivations. Is her silence a strategic choice to maintain family visits in Cuba, or does she find it more lucrative to be an ambassador for Estée Lauder than for democracy on the island? It's possible she simply does not care, and the prospect of a better country doesn't disturb her peace.
A Public Figure Detached from Cuban Reality
Throughout her Hollywood success, Ana de Armas has frequently returned to Cuba, witnessing firsthand the poverty afflicting her people, yet she has never publicly expressed discomfort with the regime or the conditions around her. She didn't advocate for democracy even when People en Español named her among the 25 most powerful women in the world. Her relationship with Díaz-Canel's stepson sheds light on her apparent indifference.
The influence attributed to Ana de Armas was seemingly used for leisure on the island, mingling with celebrities, and remaining detached from the struggles of exiles, the deteriorating poverty, and the crumbling health and education systems of Cuba. Her focus lies elsewhere. Despite this, she told People en Español about her strong connection to Cuba and ties she cannot sever. One such tie now appears to be her affectionate relationship with Díaz-Canel's stepson, seen dining in Madrid at the trendy Italian restaurant Numa Pompilio. The venue, known for dishes priced between 25 to 30 euros each, contrasts sharply with the advice given to the Cuban populace: "You have to hustle for food."
Celebrities and Celebrations Amidst Cuba's Turmoil
Last May, Ana de Armas celebrated her 35th birthday in Cuba at El Cocinero restaurant, surrounded by prominent Cuban actors and actresses, including her close friend Claudia Muma Alvariño, who had previously appeared at a state event commemorating the attack on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks. The guest list also included Muma Alvariño's husband, René Baños Pascual, David Torrens, Carlos Alberto Cremata and his partner María Carla, Tahimí Alvariño, Claudia Valdés, Jorge Perugorría, Daisy Granados, Fernando Pérez, Mirtha Ibarra, Herón Vega, César Domínguez, and singer Carlos Varela, with music provided by salsa musician Isaac Delgado. The event was a stark contrast to the daily reality faced by ordinary Cubans, with their celebrations flaunted on social media.
Ana de Armas is often seen enjoying herself at Havana's Johnny Club, relishing her Hollywood earnings, seemingly oblivious to her country's hardships. This indifference, once benign, now takes on new meaning as she associates with an advisor to the man responsible for over a thousand political prisoners on the island. As Cuba crumbles, Díaz-Canel's stepson enjoys life in Madrid away from the blackouts.
Although Ana de Armas has historically avoided political involvement, she is now entwined with a political family that will eventually face international scrutiny. It is only a matter of time before luxury brands reconsider their association with this particular ambassador.