In the ever-churning world of Hollywood drama, where social media likes can ignite firestorms, Ana de Armas has found herself at the center of a heated controversy. The 37-year-old Cuban-Spanish actress, known for her breakout roles in films like Knives Out and No Time to Die, is facing widespread criticism after fans discovered she had liked an Instagram post that mocked Nicole Kidman’s appearance and denial of plastic surgery. The timing couldn’t be more precarious: this revelation surfaced just as rumors of de Armas’ romance with Tom Cruise—Kidman’s ex-husband—escalated into apparent confirmation. What began as a subtle digital endorsement has snowballed into accusations of ageism, pettiness, and insecurity, highlighting the precarious intersection of celebrity relationships, social media scrutiny, and Hollywood’s obsession with youth.

The incident traces back to February 6, 2025, when the Instagram account @celebmess posted a collage that juxtaposed a 1996 photo of Kidman with a more recent image. The caption read, “When you keep it real #nicolekidman,” sarcastically tagging a dermal filler brand as the location. Accompanying the images were screenshots from a 2007 Marie Claire interview where Kidman, then 40, firmly denied using Botox or any cosmetic procedures. “To be honest, I am completely natural,” she stated. “I have nothing in my face or anything. I wear sunscreen, and I don’t smoke. I take care of myself. And I’m very proud to say that.” The post implied hypocrisy, fueling long-standing rumors about Kidman’s youthful appearance at 58. De Armas’ like on this post went unnoticed until late July 2025, when eagle-eyed fans screenshot it and shared it on platforms like Reddit, amplifying the backlash.

Social media erupted almost immediately. On Reddit’s r/Fauxmoi subreddit, a thread titled “Ana De Armas ‘Liked’ This Mean Photo About Nicole Kidman’s Looks on Instagram” garnered over 4,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments. Users branded de Armas’ action as “petty” and “nasty,” with one commenter writing, “Having a one-sided internet beef with your boyfriend’s wife from 20 years ago this openly is just absurd lol.” Another highlighted the irony: “Lol let’s see what she looks like at almost 60,” pointing out that de Armas, at 37, was mocking someone two decades her senior. Many accused her of ageism, a pervasive issue in Hollywood where women face disproportionate pressure to maintain eternal youth. “It fascinates me when people in their 20s and 30s are rude about people aging. Like where do you think you’re headed?” one user quipped.

Defenders of Kidman were vocal, praising her enduring career and grace. “Nicole Kidman has more talent, beauty, and grace than she ever will have,” one fan declared, contrasting Kidman’s 40-year filmography—including Oscar-winning performances in The Hours and nominations for Moulin Rouge!—with de Armas’ relatively nascent stardom. Others noted that the post’s images appeared heavily edited to exaggerate Kidman’s features, making the mockery even more unfair. “They had to edit Nicole Kidman to even give the illusion she could have aged badly,” a commenter observed. The thread also speculated on motives, with some linking it to jealousy over Kidman’s history with Cruise: “Umm she likes this because Nicole is Tom’s ex wife btw. That’s kinda nasty actually.”

The controversy’s timing amplified its impact. Just days before the like was exposed, on July 26, 2025, de Armas and Cruise were photographed holding hands in Woodstock, Vermont, seemingly confirming months of dating rumors. De Armas owns a home in the area, and sources described the trip as romantic, with her showing Cruise her favorite spots. “Ana loves Vermont. It’s her place to rest and recharge,” an insider told People. “She was excited to host Tom.” This public display followed a series of sightings that began in February 2025, when the pair dined in London amid discussions for collaborative projects. Initially dismissed as professional—sources emphasized no romantic connection—their interactions escalated: helicopter rides in March and April, a yacht vacation in Menorca, Spain, attending David Beckham’s 50th birthday party in May, and an Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium in July.

Professionally, de Armas and Cruise are set to co-star in Doug Liman’s supernatural thriller Deeper, slated to begin filming in August 2025. De Armas has gushed about the opportunity, calling it “an opportunity of a lifetime” during a May appearance on Good Morning America. “We’re definitely working on a lot of things. Not just one, but a few projects with Doug Liman and Christopher McQuarrie and, of course, Tom. And I’m so excited,” she said. Cruise, 63, has reciprocated the praise, lauding de Armas’ work in the upcoming Ballerina. Insiders describe their bond as a “special work relationship,” with Cruise acting as a mentor, gifting her flowers, books, jewelry, and facilitating global travel. Yet, the romantic whispers persisted, fueled by their chemistry and Cruise’s reported infatuation: “Tom is super smitten with Ana.”

This budding romance casts a shadow over the Instagram incident, evoking echoes of Cruise’s tumultuous past with Kidman. The Australian actress and Cruise married in 1990 after meeting on the set of Days of Thunder. Their union, which produced two adopted children—Isabella, 32, and Connor, 30—ended in 2001 when Cruise filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Kidman later described the split as a “shock,” telling DuJour magazine in 2021 that it took years to heal. Post-divorce, Kidman’s career soared with Moulin Rouge! earning her a Golden Globe and Oscar nod, while Cruise pursued high-octane blockbusters. Kidman remarried country singer Keith Urban in 2006, celebrating their 19th anniversary in June 2025 with a heartfelt Instagram post. They share daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 14.

Kidman’s appearance has long been a tabloid fixation, with persistent plastic surgery rumors she consistently denies. In the 2007 interview referenced in the post, she attributed her look to sunscreen, non-smoking, and self-care. Critics argue such scrutiny exemplifies Hollywood’s double standards, where aging women are vilified while men like Cruise face less judgment. De Armas’ like, intentional or not, feeds into this narrative, prompting accusations of internalized misogyny. “Shaming people like this is so weird,” one Reddit user lamented, while another called it “mean girl vibes” unbecoming of a 37-year-old star.

The backlash extends beyond social media, with outlets like Daily Mail and Cosmopolitan labeling the move “cruel” and “extremely shady.” Some speculate on de Armas’ motives—jealousy over Kidman’s legacy with Cruise, or a careless scroll through Instagram. Others tie it to broader patterns, including de Armas’ past controversies, like her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, which drew criticism for exploiting the icon’s trauma. Reddit users even questioned if her association with Cruise, a prominent Scientologist, influenced her behavior, though no evidence supports this.

De Armas has not publicly addressed the like, and representatives have not responded to requests for comment. Kidman, too, remains silent, focusing on her thriving career, including recent projects like Babygirl and her advocacy against unrealistic beauty standards. The incident raises questions about accountability in the digital age: Does a single like warrant such outrage, or does it reveal deeper insecurities in celebrity culture?

As de Armas prepares for Deeper and potentially more collaborations with Cruise, the fallout could impact her image. Hollywood thrives on drama, but this episode underscores a harsh truth: in an industry where looks fade but talent endures, tearing down icons like Kidman may backfire. Fans hope for an apology or clarification, but for now, the story simmers, a reminder that even stars aren’t immune to the pitfalls of social media. Whether this is a fleeting scandal or a lasting stain remains to be seen, but it certainly adds intrigue to de Armas’ high-profile romance.