Sofia Vergara and Netflix are facing a legal battle as they are being sued by the estate of the late Colombian drug queenpin, Griselda Blanco. The lawsuit, filed by Blanco’s children, aims to prevent the release of the upcoming Netflix series, “Griselda,” in which Vergara stars as Blanco and serves as an executive producer. The six-part series is set to premiere on January 25th.
Griselda Blanco was a notorious figure in the world of drug trafficking, running her operation out of Miami from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Known as the “Cocaine Queen” and “The Godmother,” she was feared for her ruthless business tactics. Blanco was arrested in 1985 and sentenced to 15 years behind bars for conspiring to manufacture, import, and distribute cocaine. She was released from prison in 2004 but met a tragic end in 2012 when she was assassinated in a drive-by motorcycle shooting in Medellin, Colombia.
Blanco’s son, Michael, claims that he conducted numerous interviews with writers between 2009 and 2022, with the intention of developing his and his mother’s life story into a book or movie. According to Michael, the writers used many of the anecdotes and material he provided without compensating him financially. He alleges that “Griselda” incorporates these details into its plotline without permission, including the use of his family’s images and likenesses.
The lawsuit does not dispute Netflix’s right to portray Griselda Blanco as a public figure but argues that the family’s contributions were used without compensation. The legal action seeks to protect their rights and ensure that they receive appropriate financial recognition for their involvement.
Sofia Vergara’s portrayal of Griselda Blanco has garnered attention due to her transformation for the role. The Colombian actress, known for her curvaceous figure, had to hide her famous curves to accurately portray the drug queenpin. Despite the legal dispute surrounding the series, Vergara’s performance has generated intrigue and anticipation among viewers.
Vergara, who gained widespread recognition for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the hit ABC series “Modern Family,” has continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. She currently serves as a judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and recently opened up about her divorce from actor Joe Manganiello in an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning.”
Netflix and Sofia Vergara’s representatives have not provided any comments regarding the lawsuit. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the release and reception of “Griselda.” Nevertheless, the series promises to offer a captivating portrayal of Griselda Blanco’s life and legacy, showcasing Sofia Vergara’s versatility as an actress.
