Griselda Blanco’s Son Criticizes the Portrayal of His Mother on Netflix and Is Now on a Quest to Humanize the ‘Cocaine Godmother’ 

Michael Corleone Blanco, the son of the notorious “Cocaine Godmother” Griselda Blanco, is expressing his disappointment over Sofia Vergara’s new Netflix series, which explores the legendary reign of his mother. Despite offering his consultation on the project, Michael claims he was ignored, describing it as a ‘slap in the face.’ Griselda Blanco was a central figure in the infamous Colombian cartel during the devastating drug wars of the 1970s and ’80s. 

Griselda’s Son Wants a Better Portrayal of His Mother

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Michael openly admitted the challenge of portraying his mother’s story, given her role at the root of significant suffering for many Colombians during that era. Griselda Blanco’s involvement in the narco culture caused immeasurable pain, forcing numerous Colombian families into the diaspora. Yet, he’s now on a quest to humanize his late mother – despite the hundreds of murders that were caused by her. 

Though everyone deserves to be humanized, it’s difficult to reframe the story of someone who was part of the darkest times in Colombia’s history. As a Colombian myself, I can speak to this as narco culture pushed me and my family to leave Medellin due to the uncertainty and fear brought by it. 

Nevertheless, in his new book, “My Mother, The Godmother, and the True Story of Michael Corleone Blanco, the Son of Griselda Blanco,” Michael aims to provide authentic insights into his family’s history. He acknowledges the difficulty in portraying his mother in a better light, given her role in causing widespread suffering. Still, Michael believes it’s crucial to present a more nuanced perspective and dispel the long-held myths surrounding Griselda’s life. 

Frustration is at the root of all of this. Michael wants people to understand that Griselda was not just a criminal but a mother and head of a household. He acknowledges his mother’s flaws but insists on providing a more authentic and empathetic narrative, recognizing the pain inflicted by narco culture.  

Sofia Vergara’s Netflix series, in the making for eight years, has faced criticism from Michael for not consulting him and for transforming Sofia’s appearance with facial prosthetics. Michael finds it offensive and prefers a more accurate representation of his mother, considering the complex and painful legacy she left behind. Griselda’s son also states it’s impolite for Vergara not to have taken his consultation as she comes from the same land as his mother. Since Vergara is Colombian, she should’ve had more respect for the “Cocaine Godmother.”  

As I mentioned earlier, I’m Colombian myself, so I understand that we are known for being overly polite. But many Colombians would argue that this situation is different.  

Griselda Was More Than a Mother

Michael, who survived multiple assassination attempts during his involvement in the family business, believes it’s crucial to humanize Griselda’s story while acknowledging the profound suffering caused by narco culture in Colombia. But is this possible?  

This may or may not be fueled by the blind love a son has for his mother. The reality is that those involved in narco culture during the 70s through the 90s used Colombia as their playground – and they were the cause of a lot of the innocent blood that was spilled during those years. Sure, Griselda was a mother, but it didn’t take precedent.