Ana de Armas has been seen enjoying a new romance with Brazilian venture capitalist Marcelo Valente, following what sources described as an 'uncomfortable' split from Hollywood icon Tom Cruise.
A New Chapter in Los Angeles
The 37-year-old actress was photographed outside her Los Angeles home on Monday, taking her dogs for a walk alongside the hunky businessman. This sighting adds fuel to rumours that the pair are now an item, marking a significant step forward for de Armas after her nine-month relationship with Cruise reportedly ended because his intense pace left her feeling uneasy.
De Armas looked effortlessly chic for the casual outing, wearing a white shirt paired with high-waisted, straight-leg jeans. Her footwear choice of black leather and gold Louis Vuitton loafers added a touch of luxury to the ensemble. Valente, meanwhile, opted for a more relaxed look in a white t-shirt, black drawstring sweatpants, and running trainers.
Building a Connection
This is not the first time the two have been spotted together, suggesting a growing connection. Last month, the Daily Mail obtained photos of the pair on a shopping trip in LA. During Monday's dog walk, Marcelo was seen touching her arm at one point as they chatted, and Ana was observed flashing a big grin while gazing at him. The couple also made a stop at a home decor store, where they were reportedly checking out wallpapers, hinting at possible joint projects.
Their public appearances trace back to October, when Ana shared a video on her Instagram Stories of herself dancing with Valente at a Dua Lipa concert in Los Angeles. Marcelo Valente, who moved to LA to attend UCLA, is the founder of Shepherd, an LA-based company that bridges entertainment and technology, and boasts of working with high-profile clients.
Looking Back at the Split from Tom Cruise
The new romance unfolds in the wake of de Armas's split from Tom Cruise. Sources told Us Weekly that the Ballerina star felt the high-profile romance was 'too intense and moving too quickly', which ultimately made her 'uncomfortable'.
'Things were moving fast and she started to get a little uncomfortable with how fast it was going,' an insider shared. The source added that Ana 'put the brakes on' but 'still likes [Tom] a lot', acknowledging their 'undeniable chemistry'. While they are 'done for now', the source suggested the door isn't completely closed, saying 'they will see how things go in the future'.
Professionally, the ex-couple are said to be remaining friends and colleagues. They are slated to work together on the deep-sea diving adventure film Deeper, which is set to shoot in London and Malta once budgetary concerns are resolved. The film's delay reportedly left Ana 'in a funk', but a source assured the Daily Mail she is 'not crying at home' and is 'plugging on'.
