Is 'Griselda' based on a true story? Sofia Vergara to play female drug baron in Netflix's miniseries
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix's latest miniseries, 'Griselda', which is all set to release on Friday, January 25, is based on the life of notorious Colombian drug peddler Griselda Blanco.
Set in the 1970s, the series chronicles the rise of Blanco's drug empire and the countless murders stemming from her illicit operations. Her ruthless deeds send shockwaves through law enforcement agencies in both the United States and Colombia.
The series is helmed by Andres Baiz, the creative mind behind 'Narcos'. The role of feared criminal is played by 'Modern Family' alumna Sofia Vergara, who is also serving as one of the producers of the series.
Who is Griselda Blanco?
Born on February 15, 1943, in Cartagena, Colombia, Griselda Blanco grew up in a poor family and was involved in criminal activities from a young age.
Known for her brutal tactics, Blanco is revered as a key figure in expanding the drug trade in the United States.
Her illegal migration to the US in 1964 was a turning point in her life, as she began to coordinate the illegal distribution of drugs from Colombia to America, as per A&E.
Making Miami the base for her drug empire, Blanco reportedly organized the ruthless killing of her rivals, assassins, and even family members.
She was apprehended in 1985 in California, yet she allegedly continued to run her empire from behind high prison walls, according to reports.
Eventually, she was deported to Colombia in 2004 but was reportedly killed on September 3, 2012, by a motorcycle-riding assassin.
Why is Griselda's family suing Sofia Vergara?
The six-part miniseries on Netflix is being sued by the family of the drug queen. The legal action is initiated by Blanco's son, Michael Sepulveda Blanco, in an attempt to prevent the premiere of the series, as per Daily Mail.
He has alleged that the streaming platform, along with Sofia Vergara and other producers, has based the series on his private narratives without permission.
Michael recounts that he intended to make a movie on Blanco's life and pitched the idea to several Hollywood producers back in 2016. He also mentioned that he has been conducting interviews since 2009 to explore the possibility of a book, as per the news outlet.
As of now, Netflix has not made any comment on the lawsuit.