Sofia Vergara’s Boldest Project Griselda Gets Sued by Real-Life Drug Lord’s Family Before Premiere
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Netflix miniseries Griselda has captivated the attention of viewers and legal experts alike. The dispute has escalated into a legal battle with actress Sofia Vergara and the streaming giant Netflix. They found themselves at the center of a lawsuit filed by the family of the notorious drug lord Griselda Blanco.
Blanco’s adult children, serving as representatives of her estate, have taken legal action to prevent the release of the miniseries. They alleged that it infringed upon their family’s rights by featuring an unauthorized portrayal of Blanco’s life. As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of this controversial miniseries hangs in the balance.
Sofia Vergara Confronts Lawsuit Over Netflix’s Griselda Series
Sofia Vergara, known for her role as both an executive producer and star in the upcoming Netflix series Griselda, now finds herself entangled in a legal battle. The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by the family of the Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco, whose life story serves as the foundation for the miniseries.
Griselda Blanco, known as the Cocaine Godmother, significantly impacted the global drug trade. However, her legacy has become a point of contention, with Blanco’s family taking legal action against Sofia Vergara and Netflix. Blanco’s son, Michael Corleone Blanco is among the plaintiffs leading the charge in a Miami-Dade County Court.
Michael claims to have shared his mother’s story in interviews since 2009, with Netflix expressing interest in adapting it. Additionally, he authored a book titled My Mother, the Godmother and the True Story of Michael Corleone Blanco, the Son of Griselda Blanco to recount his family’s true tale.
However, the streaming platform is accused of failing to consult these interviews while creating the miniseries Griselda. The lawsuit contends that Netflix essentially appropriated the Blanco family’s story without proper authorization, violating their rights by utilizing images and likenesses of the family members (via Entertainment Tonight).
As the legal battle unfolds, casting a shadow over the anticipated premiere of the series. The lawsuit’s timing, occurring before the show’s release, introduces an element of doubt as to whether the miniseries will remain part of the streaming platform or face potential consequences as a result of the legal proceedings.
Blanco Family Expresses Disappointment with Sofia Vergara
The Netflix miniseries Griselda, a six-episode special set in the tumultuous era of the 1970s to 1980s, has ignited controversy, particularly within the family of the infamous drug lord Griselda Blanco. The lead role in this gripping saga is portrayed by the renowned 51-year-old actress Sofia Vergara.
While Michael Corleone Blanco expressed gratitude to Vergara for embodying his mother’s character on screen, he also voiced disappointment over the lack of consultation with the family. Blanco told (via Marca),
“I wonder, if she really wanted to play the full role and do it well, why didn’t she approach the family or why didn’t they contact me, the youngest son, the one who shared day and night with her, the one who knew how she talked, walked. My mom and I were very close. So at the same time I feel a little offended, just like my mother if she were alive.”
While Sofia Vergara had previously conveyed her excitement about tackling the role of the infamous Griselda Blanco, the familial disapproval adds a layer of complexity to the production. Vergara told CBS,
“As a woman, I was fascinated. Like, how did she become even more ruthless, more horrific than any man.”
In an interesting revelation, Sofia Vergara also disclosed that the cocaine depicted in the series is fake. Furthermore, she clarified that the cigarettes featured in the show are also just props. The clash between artistic expression and familial rights left both viewers and legal pundits eager to witness the resolution of this unfolding drama.
