In a whirlwind of Hollywood drama, Ana de Armas found herself at the center of a social media storm on July 28, 2025, after liking an Instagram post that mocked the appearance of Nicole Kidman, the ex-wife of her rumored partner, Tom Cruise. The controversy, which erupted across platforms like Reddit and Instagram, labeled the Cuban actress’s action as “petty” and “nasty,” sparking heated debates among fans. Less than 24 hours later, on July 30, 2025, de Armas and Cruise confirmed their romantic relationship to People magazine, a revelation that intensified public scrutiny and added fuel to an already blazing controversy. This article explores the timeline of events, the nature of the controversial post, the public’s reaction, the confirmation of de Armas and Cruise’s romance, and the broader implications for their careers and public personas. The saga, blending social media missteps with high-profile romance, underscores the intense spotlight on celebrity relationships and the power of online communities to shape narratives.

The Controversial Instagram Post

The drama began on July 28, 2025, when eagle-eyed fans noticed that Ana de Armas, 37, had liked a post from the Instagram account @celebmess, shared originally on February 6, 2025. The post featured a close-up, harshly lit image of Nicole Kidman, 58, with the caption “When you keep it real #nicolekidman.” Accompanying the photo was a reference to a 2007 Marie Claire interview in which Kidman denied using cosmetic procedures, stating, “To be honest, I am completely natural. I have nothing in my face or anything. I wear sunscreen, and I don’t smoke. I take care of myself.” The post used the viral “Sure, Jan” meme to cast doubt on Kidman’s claims, tagging a dermal filler brand and including the Spice Girls’ song “Denying” for added shade. Some sources noted that the image appeared edited to exaggerate Kidman’s features, amplifying the perceived cruelty of the post.

De Armas’s like, which was quickly screenshotted and shared on Reddit’s r/Fauxmoi community, sparked immediate backlash. Fans and critics called the move “ageist” and “mean-spirited,” with one Reddit user commenting, “Having a one-sided internet beef with your boyfriend’s wife from 20 years ago this openly is just absurd lol.” Another wrote, “This makes Ana look more like a b**ch than says anything about Nicole. I was wondering what sane woman would want to be with Tom Cruise. Answer is none.” The timing of the like, resurfacing months after the original post, was particularly scrutinized, as it coincided with growing speculation about de Armas’s relationship with Tom Cruise, Kidman’s ex-husband from 1990 to 2001. The controversy painted de Armas as engaging in a subtle but public jab at Kidman, raising questions about her intentions and judgment.

The Backlash and Public Reaction

The online reaction to de Armas’s Instagram like was swift and unforgiving. Social media platforms, particularly Reddit and Instagram, became battlegrounds for debates about celebrity behavior, aging, and personal rivalries. Fans of Nicole Kidman, an Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Moulin Rouge and Big Little Lies, rallied to her defense, arguing that the post was unfair and ageist. One Instagram user commented, “They had to edit Nicole Kidman to even give the illusion she could have aged badly,” while another added, “Nicole always has been and still is so beautiful to me.” These sentiments highlighted the perception that the post was not only cruel but also misleading, as Kidman, now happily married to Keith Urban with two daughters, has maintained a private and dignified stance amid the drama.

Critics of de Armas were equally vocal, with some connecting her actions to past controversies, such as her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde (2022), which was criticized for its depiction of the icon. A Reddit user remarked, “Reminder that Ana de Armas took part in a project that degraded and dehumanized Marilyn Monroe and then defended it relentlessly.” Others speculated that de Armas’s like was motivated by insecurity or a desire to assert herself in the context of her rumored relationship with Cruise. One commenter wrote, “She’s probably insecure and trying to make herself feel better about the fact that Nicole was very likely the great love of Tom’s life.”

However, not all reactions were negative. Some fans defended de Armas, suggesting that the like could have been accidental or misinterpreted. A post on X stated, “People are blowing this out of proportion. Maybe Ana just liked the post without thinking too hard about it. Social media isn’t that deep.” Others argued that the focus on de Armas’s actions distracted from the broader issue of online shaming, with one user noting, “Shaming people like this is so weird. Let’s stop tearing each other down.” Despite these defenses, the prevailing sentiment was one of disapproval, with de Armas’s action seen as a misstep that tarnished her public image.

The Romance Confirmation

On July 30, 2025, the narrative took a dramatic turn when Tom Cruise, 63, and Ana de Armas confirmed their relationship to People magazine, marking a significant milestone in their rumored romance. The announcement came less than a day after the Instagram controversy, leading some to speculate that it was a strategic move to shift the focus from de Armas’s social media blunder. The couple’s confirmation followed months of speculation, fueled by public sightings since February 2024, including a Valentine’s Day dinner in London, a yacht trip in Spain, and a joint appearance at an Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium.

Posts on X captured the excitement and skepticism surrounding the announcement. One user, @PopCrave, tweeted, “Tom Cruise & Ana de Armas appear to confirm romance after being spotted holding hands,” while @anadearmasdaily expressed disappointment, stating, “Unfortunately, Ana de Armas and Tom Cruise appear to confirm romance.” The couple’s relationship, which began as a professional connection on the set of Wasp Network (2019) and continued with their collaboration on the upcoming supernatural thriller Deeper, has been marked by high-profile gestures, such as Cruise reportedly spending £4,000 on a private helicopter ride to ensure de Armas made a flight from Heathrow.

The confirmation added a new layer to the Instagram controversy, as fans connected de Armas’s like to her relationship with Cruise. One Reddit user commented, “Dating a senior Tom Cruise when Nicole is free… but sure Ana, you’re the winner here lmao.” The timing of the announcement, so close to the backlash, raised questions about whether it was intended to overshadow the negative press or simply a natural progression of the couple’s public journey.

The Context of Cruise and Kidman’s History

To understand the significance of the controversy, it’s essential to revisit the history between Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Married from 1990 to 2001, the couple was a Hollywood power duo, starring together in films like Days of Thunder (1990) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). They adopted two children, Isabella and Connor, before their abrupt divorce, which was widely attributed to Cruise’s ties to Scientology. Kidman, now 58, has since found lasting happiness with Keith Urban, celebrating 19 years of marriage in 2025. She has remained silent on the current drama, focusing on her career and family, as evidenced by a recent Instagram post celebrating her anniversary with Urban.

Cruise, on the other hand, has been more private about his personal life since his 2012 divorce from Katie Holmes. His relationship with de Armas, which sources initially described as “just friends” in March 2025, has evolved into a public romance, with the couple spotted holding hands in Vermont on July 26, 2025. The confirmation of their relationship has reignited interest in Cruise’s personal life, particularly in light of the Instagram controversy involving his ex-wife.

Implications for de Armas and Cruise

The Instagram incident and the subsequent relationship confirmation have significant implications for both de Armas and Cruise. For de Armas, the backlash risks damaging her carefully curated image as a talented and likable actress. Known for roles in Knives Out (2019) and No Time to Die (2021), she has built a reputation as a rising star with a knack for diverse roles. However, the controversy has led to accusations of pettiness and insecurity, with some questioning her judgment in engaging with a post that targeted another woman’s appearance. Her silence on the issue, coupled with her team’s lack of comment, has left room for speculation, potentially prolonging the negative attention.

For Cruise, the confirmation of his relationship with de Armas reinforces his status as a Hollywood icon who continues to make headlines both professionally and personally. His upcoming projects with de Armas, including Deeper, indicate a strong professional partnership, but the Instagram drama has complicated their public narrative. Some fans have expressed concern about de Armas’s association with Cruise, given his controversial ties to Scientology. A Reddit post commented, “I really hope she doesn’t become a Scientologist… That would really suck.” Others have questioned her choice to date Cruise, with one user stating, “All of the scary ass info about the ‘church’ and the lengths they go to treat Cruise like a king is out there already.”

The Broader Hollywood Context

The saga of de Armas’s Instagram like and her relationship with Cruise reflects broader themes in Hollywood and celebrity culture. Social media has become a double-edged sword for celebrities, amplifying their reach but also exposing them to intense scrutiny. A single like or comment can spark global headlines, as seen in this case, where de Armas’s action was screenshotted and debated within hours. The incident also highlights the persistent issue of online shaming, particularly around aging and cosmetic procedures, with Kidman’s defenders arguing that such criticism is unfair and rooted in misogyny.

Moreover, the controversy underscores the fascination with celebrity relationships, especially those involving high-profile figures like Cruise and Kidman. The connection to Cruise’s past marriage adds a layer of intrigue, as fans and media draw parallels between his relationships with Kidman, Holmes, and now de Armas. The confirmation of Cruise and de Armas’s romance, coming so soon after the Instagram incident, has fueled speculation about their dynamic and whether the relationship announcement was a calculated move to shift the narrative.

Conclusion

The events of July 28 and 29, 2025, have thrust Ana de Armas and Tom Cruise into the spotlight for reasons both controversial and celebratory. De Armas’s decision to like a post mocking Nicole Kidman’s appearance sparked widespread backlash, with fans labeling it as petty and ageist. The subsequent confirmation of her relationship with Cruise, Kidman’s ex-husband, added a layer of complexity, raising questions about timing and intent. While Kidman has remained silent, focusing on her life with Keith Urban, de Armas and Cruise face the challenge of navigating public scrutiny as they move forward both personally and professionally.

This saga serves as a reminder of the power of social media to amplify small actions into major controversies, particularly in the context of celebrity relationships. For de Armas, the incident is a test of her resilience and ability to manage her public image. For Cruise, it reinforces his enduring presence in Hollywood’s spotlight. As the couple continues their journey, with projects like Deeper on the horizon, the world will be watching to see how they address the fallout and shape their narrative. For more details, check the comments section for additional insights.