Everything you need to know about LGBTQ+ ‘Cocaine Godmother’ Griselda Blanco
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With the release of Netflix’s new limited series Griselda, viewers are being introduced to the captivating and tumultuous life of one of Miami’s most notorious drug “Queenpins” – Griselda Blanco. The show, which premiered on January 25, stars Sofía Vergara, known for her role in Modern Family, as she portrays the complex character of Blanco and delves into the dark and murderous world of cocaine trafficking and drug-running between South America and the USA.
But who exactly was Griselda Blanco? Born in 1943 in Cartagena, Colombia, Blanco’s early life was marked by a descent into criminal activities at a young age. At just 11 years old, she shocked many when she kidnapped, ransomed, and ultimately killed a young boy from a wealthy family. After running away from home at 19 to escape sexual abuse by her mother’s boyfriend, Blanco turned to pickpocketing and working as a sex worker.
At the age of 21, Blanco made the bold decision to illegally immigrate to New York using fake papers, bringing along her three children and her second husband, Alberto Bravo. It was in New York where she set up her drug operation. However, her criminal activities caught up with her when she intercepted 150 kilos of cocaine, leading to her indictment on drug conspiracy charges in 1975. Faced with the federal drug investigation Operation Banshee, Blanco fled back to Colombia.
Despite her temporary setback, Blanco couldn’t stay away from the drug world for long. After murdering her second husband Bravo, she returned to the United States to restart her drug operation, this time in Miami. This decision placed her in the midst of the drug-related violence known as the Miami Drug War. By 1980, Miami had become a hub for cocaine trafficking, with an estimated 70% of all cocaine entering the United States passing through South Florida. The drug trade in Miami was generating a staggering $20 billion per year.
While Griselda Blanco’s criminal activities and rise to power were well-known, there is another aspect of her life that has recently come to light. Blanco was also a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout her life, she expressed attraction to both women and men. Although she never had a significant relationship with a woman, nor did she openly identify as bisexual, it is clear from accounts that she engaged in sexual encounters with women while married to her third husband, Dario Spulveda. The Netflix series acknowledges this aspect of Blanco’s sexuality and portrays her interest in throwing drug-fueled orgies.
Blanco’s reign as the “Cocaine Godmother” came to an end when she was caught and sentenced to over 30 years in prison on drug and murder charges in 1985. After serving her sentence, she was released and deported back to Colombia in 2004. However, her freedom was short-lived. In 2012, Blanco was assassinated by a motorcycle gunman in Medellín, Colombia.
The Netflix series Griselda aims to provide an origin story for Blanco, shedding light on her journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most powerful drug lords in Miami. Actress Sofía Vergara, who plays the titular character, emphasized the importance of not glorifying Blanco’s violent and ruthless nature. Instead, the series seeks to uncover the deeper story of how she managed to create a massive empire in a male-dominated industry and a foreign country through ingenious and cruel tactics.
Although the show does not shy away from the darker aspects of Blanco’s life, it is important to note that it is a fictional dramatization. While it captures the essence of Blanco’s life, some creative liberties have been taken for dramatic effect. Griselda is available to stream on Netflix and features an ensemble cast including Karol G, Vanessa Ferlito, Alberto Guerra, and Juliana Aidén Martinez.
In conclusion, Griselda Blanco’s life was marked by a descent into criminal activities at a young age and a subsequent rise to power as one of Miami’s most notorious drug lords. Her story, now brought to the small screen in the Netflix series Griselda, captivates viewers with its exploration of the dark and violent world of cocaine trafficking. While the show portrays Blanco’s LGBTQ+ identity and accurately depicts her criminal activities, it is important to remember that it is a fictional dramatization and not a documentary.
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