In a whirlwind of Hollywood headlines, Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas have officially confirmed their romantic relationship, putting an end to months of speculation. The announcement, made through a joint statement on September 9, 2025, comes on the heels of a social media firestorm involving de Armas, who faced criticism for liking an Instagram post mocking the appearance of Nicole Kidman, Cruise’s ex-wife. The convergence of their confirmed romance and the online controversy has sparked intense debate, with fans and critics dissecting the couple’s dynamic, de Armas’s social media misstep, and the broader implications for their public images. This is the story of their relationship’s evolution, the controversy that preceded its confirmation, and what it means for two of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

A Romance in the Spotlight

Tom Cruise, 63, and Ana de Armas, 37, have been the subject of dating rumors since February 2025, when they were first spotted together in London’s Soho neighborhood. The pair, both known for their roles in high-octane action films—Cruise in Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, and de Armas in No Time to Die and Ballerina—initially described their connection as professional, tied to their upcoming film Deeper, a supernatural ocean thriller directed by Doug Liman. However, their frequent public appearances, from helicopter rides to a romantic getaway in Vermont, fueled speculation that their bond was more than platonic.

On July 26, 2025, the couple was photographed holding hands in Woodstock, Vermont, where de Armas owns a home. The images, published by TMZ, showed them strolling through the town’s picturesque streets, enjoying ice cream, and driving through a national park—moments that seemed to confirm their romance. A source told People at the time, “Ana loves spending time with Tom. They’ve become incredibly close, and he’s a huge support—both personally and professionally.” The Vermont outing followed other high-profile sightings, including an Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium and a yacht trip in Menorca, Spain, further cementing their status as Hollywood’s newest power couple.

Their official confirmation came on September 9, 2025, via a statement released to People: “Tom and Ana are excited to share that they are together and look forward to their future, both personally and professionally. They appreciate the support of their fans and ask for privacy as they navigate this new chapter.” The announcement, while brief, marked a significant moment, as Cruise has historically kept his personal life private since his 2012 divorce from Katie Holmes.

The Social Media Controversy

Just days before the confirmation, de Armas found herself at the center of a social media storm. On September 5, 2025, fans noticed that she had liked an Instagram post from a gossip account that featured a photo of Nicole Kidman, Cruise’s ex-wife from 1990 to 2001, with a caption mocking her appearance. The post, which described Kidman’s look as “overdone” and included derogatory remarks about her cosmetic choices, drew immediate backlash. Screenshots of de Armas’s “like” spread rapidly on X, with users calling her actions “tasteless” and “petty.” One post read, “Ana de Armas liking a shady post about Nicole Kidman? That’s low, especially if she’s dating Tom Cruise.” Another user wrote, “This is so uncalled for. Nicole’s a legend, and Ana’s out here stirring drama.”

The controversy was particularly charged given Kidman’s history with Cruise. The former couple, who share two adopted children, Isabella (32) and Connor (30), had a highly publicized marriage and divorce, with Kidman later speaking about the emotional toll of their split. The timing of de Armas’s social media activity—coming just before her relationship confirmation with Cruise—intensified scrutiny. Some speculated that the “like” was intentional, a subtle jab at Kidman, while others argued it was a careless mistake. “She’s 37, not a teenager,” one X user commented. “Liking that post was a choice, and it’s not a good look.”

De Armas quickly unliked the post, but the damage was done. On September 6, she issued a brief apology via her Instagram Stories: “I’m sorry for any hurt caused by my actions online. It was a mistake, and I have nothing but respect for everyone involved.” The apology did little to quell the backlash, with some fans accusing her of insensitivity, especially given Kidman’s status as an Oscar-winning actress and humanitarian. Others defended de Armas, noting that social media missteps are common and don’t necessarily reflect her character. “People need to chill,” one supporter wrote on X. “It was a like, not a manifesto. Let her live.”

The Context of Their Relationship

The controversy has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for Cruise and de Armas. Their relationship, which began as a professional collaboration, has evolved into a high-profile romance that has captivated fans and tabloids alike. According to Us Weekly, the pair met through Hollywood circles, with Cruise’s ex-girlfriend Penélope Cruz reportedly vouching for de Armas both personally and professionally. “Penelope put in a good word for her,” a source told the outlet in May 2025. “She raved about Ana’s talent and character.”

Their early interactions were framed as work-related, centered on Deeper, which is set to begin filming in August 2025. De Armas spoke highly of Cruise in a May 2025 Good Morning America interview, saying, “It’s so much fun, and 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. I’m so excited.” Cruise reciprocated the praise, telling reporters at the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning premiere that de Armas’s Ballerina “kicks ass.”

As their professional bond deepened, so did their personal connection. Sources described Cruise as “super smitten” with de Armas, noting that he had been “courting” her with lavish gestures, including private jet trips and a bespoke fragrance crafted in Grasse, France, tailored to her Cuban heritage. “Tom’s made Ana the center of his world,” a source told RadarOnline in July 2025. “He’s pulling out all the stops to wow her.” De Armas, while reportedly more cautious, was said to enjoy his company and value his mentorship.

Their public outings painted a picture of a blossoming romance. In April 2025, Cruise piloted a helicopter to celebrate de Armas’s 37th birthday in London, followed by dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. In July, they vacationed in Menorca, Spain, and attended an Oasis concert together, with de Armas introducing Cruise to her Vermont retreat later that month. “Ana loves Vermont,” a source told People. “She was excited to host Tom and show him around. She took him to all her favorite spots.”

The Scientology Factor

The relationship has not been without its critics, particularly due to Cruise’s ties to Scientology. Social media platforms like Reddit have buzzed with skepticism, with some users questioning de Armas’s judgment. “She’s almost 40, not 18,” one commenter wrote on the LAinfluencersnark subreddit. “She knows exactly who Tom is and what she’s signing up for.” Others speculated about Scientology’s influence, referencing reports that the organization has historically vetted Cruise’s partners. “Every woman he’s been with since Nicole Kidman was curated by Scientology,” another user claimed, citing a Vanity Fair article about the church’s alleged role in selecting his girlfriends.

De Armas’s past relationships have also come under scrutiny. Her brief romance with Manuel Anido Cuesta, stepson of Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel, ended in July 2025, and her 2020-2021 relationship with Ben Affleck was referenced in discussions about her “pattern” of dating high-profile men. “She’s gorgeous and talented, but her taste in men is questionable,” one Reddit user remarked. Despite the criticism, supporters argue that de Armas, as a successful actress with a Bond girl role and an Oscar nomination for Blonde, has agency in her choices. “She’s a grown woman,” another user wrote. “Let her date who she wants.”

The Nicole Kidman Connection

The Instagram controversy added fuel to an already complex narrative. Kidman, 58, has largely remained silent about her past with Cruise, but her recent comments about resilience and personal growth have been interpreted as veiled references to their marriage. In a 2024 interview with Vogue Australia, she spoke about overcoming public scrutiny, saying, “You learn to let go of what people think. I focus on my work and my family.” The timing of de Armas’s social media misstep, just before her relationship confirmation with Cruise, led some to speculate about underlying tensions.

Kidman’s fans were quick to defend her, pointing to her acclaimed career and humanitarian work. “Nicole is a class act,” one X user wrote. “Ana liking that post was so unnecessary.” Others noted the irony, given that de Armas has cited Kidman as an inspiration in past interviews. In a 2022 Variety profile, de Armas praised Kidman’s performance in Moulin Rouge!, calling it “a masterclass in acting.” The contrast between her admiration and the Instagram incident has left some fans questioning her intentions.

The controversy also drew attention to Cruise’s exes. Katie Holmes, who liked a post about the de Armas-Kidman drama in July 2025, added another layer of intrigue. BuzzFeed reported that Holmes’s action was seen as a subtle nod to her own history with Cruise, prompting speculation about lingering tensions. “It’s messy,” one Reddit user commented on the Fauxmoi subreddit. “Ana’s caught in the middle of Tom’s complicated past.”

Navigating the Backlash

De Armas’s apology attempted to defuse the situation, but it has not fully silenced critics. Some argue that her actions reflect poorly on her judgment, especially as she steps into a high-profile relationship with Cruise. “She’s got to be more careful,” relationship expert Amber Lee told The Blast in August 2025. “Dating someone like Tom comes with intense scrutiny, and liking a post like that doesn’t help.” Others, however, see the incident as a minor misstep in an otherwise illustrious career. “She apologized, let’s move on,” one supporter tweeted. “Ana’s talent speaks for itself.”

For Cruise, the controversy has been a non-issue. Sources say he’s focused on his relationship with de Armas and their upcoming project. “Tom’s crazy about Ana,” an insider told Entertainment Tonight in August 2025. “He’s not fazed by the noise. He’s used to it.” The couple’s commitment to Deeper, which follows an astronaut facing a terrifying force in an unexplored ocean trench, remains a priority. De Armas has described the role as “an opportunity of a lifetime,” while Cruise has praised her as a “very talented, great dramatic actress.”

A Future Together

As Cruise and de Armas move forward, their relationship faces both opportunities and challenges. The confirmation has sparked excitement among fans, who see them as a dynamic pairing both on and off screen. “They’re like a Hollywood dream team,” one X user posted. “Can’t wait to see them in Deeper.” Others, however, remain wary, citing the age gap and Cruise’s Scientology ties. “I hope Ana knows what she’s getting into,” another user wrote.

Reports of Cruise considering an “ironclad” prenup have added fuel to the speculation, with Star magazine claiming he’s planning to propose. De Armas is reportedly open to signing such an agreement, with a source stating, “It annoys her that people judge Tom by his exes. She’s confident she’ll keep him happier than they did.” While these reports remain unconfirmed, they highlight the intense interest in the couple’s future.

The Instagram controversy, while damaging, is unlikely to derail de Armas’s career. Her recent role in Ballerina, a John Wick spinoff, earned praise, and her work with directors like Doug Liman and Christopher McQuarrie positions her as a rising star. For Cruise, the relationship marks a new chapter after years of focusing on his career. “Tom’s in a good place,” a source told People in August 2025. “Ana brings out a side of him we haven’t seen in a while.”

A Tale of Love and Redemption

The confirmation of Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas’s relationship, juxtaposed with the Nicole Kidman controversy, encapsulates the complexities of life in the public eye. De Armas’s social media misstep, whether intentional or not, highlighted the scrutiny that comes with dating a figure like Cruise. Yet, their decision to go public with their romance signals confidence in their bond, despite the challenges.

For fans, the story is a reminder that even stars are human, prone to mistakes and capable of growth. De Armas’s apology, Cruise’s steadfast support, and their shared excitement for Deeper suggest a partnership built on mutual respect and ambition. As they navigate the spotlight together, they’re proving that love, like a good action movie, can overcome obstacles—whether it’s a deep-sea thriller or a social media storm. For now, the world watches, captivated by a romance that’s as thrilling as any Hollywood blockbuster.