Netflix, known for its bonhomie with shows capturing the lives of drug lords, continues with its latest miniseries featuring the infamous Griselda Blanco, often termed the “Godmother of Cocaine.” The series explores her rise through the ranks as she transforms from a common woman into one of the biggest drug traffickers. Sofía Vergara plays the titular role.
The episodes take you through the violent journey of Griselda, but they also capture her relationship with her four sons: Dixon Trujillo Blanco, Uber Trujillo Blanco, Osvaldo Trujillo Blanco, and Michael Corleone Blanco. With the show running high on the popularity charts, we thought this might be a good time to shed some light on what actually happened to her sons following the events of the show.
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How Does the Show Set Up Griselda and Her Children?
The six-part series examines the rise and fall of Griselda Blanco through a bloody journey filled with violence and betrayal. She stepped into the world of drug trafficking to provide a better life for her family, and over time, she made her way to the top of the American drug trade. Even though she became a multi-millionaire at one point, her story ended like that of most drug lords in history—she was eventually arrested.
While in prison, her children were targeted by her many enemies, a consequence of her ruthless actions. It is alleged that Griselda killed men by the dozens, with even the slightest inconvenience, suspicion, or a strange look potentially warranting an execution. Thus, it is unsurprising that her children were targeted immediately once she was out of the picture.
The series finale brings Griselda the shocking news that her children have been killed. Agent June Hawkins informs her that Dixon was shot while walking to his car, Uber was shot dead in Colombia during a drug deal, and Oswaldo was killed in a crowded nightclub. Griselda had to helplessly listen to the tragic news.
Did Griselda’s Sons Really Die as Depicted in the Show?
Griselda Blanco not only created one of the most powerful cartels in history after moving to the U.S., but she was also involved in the Miami drug war, also called the Cocaine Cowboy War. Her three sons followed her into the family business, while Michael was too young at the time of her arrest.
It is rumored that Griselda was somehow connected to the killing of all three of her husbands, but her relationship with her sons was unique, to say the least. Dixon Trujillo was born to Griselda and Carlos Trujillo, one of her husbands. He moved to Miami with his family and actively participated in the family business. It is said that Dixon was arrested around the same time as Griselda, and contrary to the Netflix series, it is believed that he outlived his mother. Reports suggest that she was survived by two of her sons, with Dixon reportedly living in Medellín at the time. While it can be confirmed that he is no longer alive, the cause of his death might not be exactly as the Netflix series suggests.
Uber Trujillo also moved with his mother to Miami and played an active role in the drug trafficking business. His death is suggested to have occurred during a drug deal gone wrong, and reports hint at the accuracy of this portrayal. He did die during his mother’s prison sentence, and Griselda likely had the unfortunate knowledge of her son’s passing. Even Oswaldo died before his mother’s release from prison, and the show’s depiction of his death might also be quite accurate—he was killed in a crowded nightclub and was presumably a victim of another enemy attack.
Overall, we have to commend the show for its thorough research and solid portrayal of what actually transpired in Griselda Blanco’s life. Since her three elder sons were involved in the drug trafficking business, it is normal that there was an element of secrecy surrounding their whereabouts. Of course, it cannot be said with certainty how and when they were killed, but apart from the timing inaccuracy in the case of Dixon, the other two sons probably died as the show suggests.
What Happened to Michael During Griselda’s Downfall?
Michael Corleone Blanco is the youngest son of Griselda Blanco, named after the popular character from The Godfather. He grew up in a turbulent environment and had the traumatic experience of watching his father being killed by men in police uniforms in Colombia in 1983. His father, Dario Sepulveda, was Griselda Blanco’s third husband, and during their estranged relationship, he reportedly took Michael to Colombia to keep him safe and away from his mother and her associates. It is rumored that Dario’s killing was orchestrated by Griselda, though she was never charged for this murder.
Griselda was arrested two years after Dario’s death, and Michael was only six years old at the time. He grew up in a life of solitude, living for certain periods with contracted legal guardians who would care for him in exchange for hefty payments. Michael had been on the move since he was a child of 12, and back in 2008, when he first emerged with a few interviews about his life, he was running a hip-hop label named Extortion Records.
His life was not free from crime and controversies. In 2011, he was arrested on charges of cocaine trafficking after reportedly attempting to buy cocaine from an undercover cop. He pleaded not guilty and was under house arrest awaiting trial when his mother was shot dead a year later. Eventually, his probation ended in 2018, and Michael made it clear that he wanted no part in the life that had led to his terrible childhood. The death of his mother was a turning point in his life, as he realized the futility of the lucrative but dangerous business his family was involved in. By then, everyone from his parents to his brothers had been killed, and he wanted a better life for his next generation, living with his three kids. He even reported a couple of attacks on his life, coming to terms with the fact that no amount of money was worth living in constant fear.
What Is the Current Status of Michael Blanco?
As of now, Michael has been cleared by the authorities from his previous involvements in the drug world. He runs a clothing brand named Puro Blanco and has been in the limelight for penning a book about his mother and their lives. He also starred in a VH1 reality show named Cartel Crew, which explores the lives of family members connected to notable drug cartels.
Currently, Michael is fighting a legal battle with Netflix over the miniseries Griselda starring Sofía Vergara. He sued Netflix before the premiere of the show, claiming that he hadn’t been adequately compensated for a project that used his story and literary materials to make the narrative concrete. He seeks at least $50,000 in damages, and the outcome of this lawsuit is yet to be seen. The series creator, Eric Newman, however, remains unperturbed, as he has faced similar issues during his work on Narcos, dismissing the lawsuit as something that wasn’t his first rodeo.
Whatever the outcome, it is heartening to see Michael emerge from the darkness of the world he was born into. Renouncing the life of drug trafficking was the smartest decision he could have made. Much of Griselda’s story has emerged through him, and the notorious legacy couldn’t have been as neatly created without his past inputs.
Marvelous Verdict: A Reality Harsher Than All the Money
Griselda is a show worth watching on Netflix because the narrative does not unnecessarily glorify the titular character. It explores the complexity and brutality of the character, but the story also brings you the harsh reality and the terrible downfall and tragedies that she experienced. Sofía Vergara slips into the role of the ambitious Colombian businesswoman effortlessly, and the six episodes offer a solid take on the dark underbelly of the drug trafficking business.
Do let us know your thoughts regarding the Netflix series in the comments below. Tell us if you think the series accurately captures the exploits of Griselda Blanco, and don’t forget to voice your opinion on the performance of Sofía Vergara. If you liked our content, don’t forget to leave a like and subscribe to us if you haven’t already. Have a good one and be safe!
