- The new Netflix production 'Griselda' is being sued
- Sofia Vergara is taking on the lead role of drug lord Griselda Blanco
- THIS is what the family alleges in a new lawsuit
Sofia Vergara, the Colombian bombshell and 'Modern Family' queen, has stepped into a storm of controversy! Her latest role as the notorious Griselda Blanco in Netflix's "Griselda" has sparked outrage, particularly from the late drug lord's son, Michael Corleone Blanco. But what's got him so fired up?
A Son's Wrath: Disrespect in the Drug Queenpin's Depiction!
Refusing to be pigeonholed as ditzy or the oft-used microaggression "loud," Vergara takes on the challenge of portraying one of the drug trade’s preeminent figures: Griselda Blanco.
Blanco is credited with playing a major part in establishing the cocaine trade between Colombia and America, particularly up the United States’ Eastern Seaboard while Blanco was based in Miami. Blanco was ruthless, rich, and respected—a perfect character for Vergara to take on when looking to carve a new path in her career. But Griselda's family is not happy.
Michael is fuming! Speaking to Fox News, he's branded Vergara's portrayal of his mother as downright "disrespectful." The son of the Cocaine Queen told Fox News, "Sofía Vergara did not consult with any members of the Blanco family as a sign of respect." He even offered his consultation services, only to be told there was "no room on the project" for his input. Ouch!
The plot thickens as Michael reveals his legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter to Netflix and Sofia's camp. He's not just blowing smoke; he's Griselda's only living son with life rights agreements signed by the Cocaine Godmother herself. He's not just a businessman; he's a businessman with a mission!
Michael's not just upset about the lack of consultation; he's also offended by Vergara's transformation into his mother. "My mother was a beautiful woman," he insists, taking a jab at those who think the portrayal should lean more towards the "drug addict" stereotype. Vergara's three-hour hair and makeup transformation has certainly ruffled feathers!
"Sofia’s camp and the Netflix creators were disrespectful and ultimately produced the ‘Griselda’ project on their own for commercial gain, without key details from the Blanco family,” he told the outlet. "After the sit-down at the table, my lawyers formally sent a cease-and-desist letter to Netflix and Sofia’s camp. As of today, Netflix nor Sofia’s camp has made any attempt to reconcile."
"Regardless of public information, basic respect is warranted," he continued. "I am Griselda’s only living son that has life rights agreements signed by Griselda herself in which she intended I carry out her life story."
Michael is vying to get a judge to grant an injunction preventing the release of the six-part series, which premiers today on the streaming platform.
The show is a different beast from what you might expect
In the early episodes, it looks as if it might be gathering to become something more than fun too. The misogyny and sexism that Griselda meets as she tries to sell her brick of cocaine in the new town is nicely sketched as a force that work against and occasionally for her.
Sofia not only gives a barnstorming performance, but one that shows how early brutalising experiences hone a survival instinct and also bring whatever latent propensities for violence someone – even a woman! – might be born with into something truly murderous and ruthless.
In reality, Griselda came to Miami as part of her evasion of federal charges after setting up and running for 10 very successful years a drug operation in New York City. But an underdog narrative is an easier sell, and so the truth has been massaged for greater palatability.
So, why is the family so upset?
Also interesting:
It had to be done
It's not just about hurt feelings; it's about rights! Michael and his siblings are taking the fight to the courts, seeking an injunction to stop the series from airing. They claim 'Griselda' has hijacked their family's story and their likenesses without permission.
What about Sofia's response? So far, there is none.
While the drama unfolds, Vergara remains silent, and Netflix has zipped its lips. The world awaits their response as the series gears up for its premiere. Will the Blanco family's grievances be addressed, or will the show go on?
