Sofia Vergara Slammed With Lawsuit Over New Netflix Show 'Griselda'

Sofia Vergara's latest drama series has hit an unexpected legal hiccup just days before its release.

The Colombian actress is the star of Netflix's upcoming project "Griselda," a show inspired by the life of the infamous Colombian drug lord, Griselda Blanco. However, fans may never see Vergara's portrayal of the "Cocaine Godmother" as the late underworld figure's children recently filed a lawsuit to stop the series' broadcast.

The "Modern Family" actress was named as a defendant in new legal documents alongside Netflix for the unauthorized use of the Blanco family's image and likeness in their upcoming series.

In the lawsuit, Griselda's children requested an injunction to block the show's release, arguing that Netflix had ripped off their family story and incorporated it into the plot of their show without permission. The late drug lord's son, Michael, explained some men approached him to do interviews about his story and that of his mother.

These discussions allegedly went on for years, from 2009 until 2022. Michael claimed these men wished to develop his story into a book and show, noting they told him they would start promoting it around Hollywood in 2016.

True to their word, they pitched it to a producer before meeting with Netflix about the project. Michael alleged the streaming giant was interested in making a show about Griselda; however, they refused to use his narrative or any of the consultations from the interviews he had done.

Despite Netflix's alleged claims, Michael eventually learned that their upcoming "Griselda" series does use his narrative and plenty of the materials he had given the men who consulted him. However, the Cocaine Godmother was neither credited for the information nor paid for it.

The unauthorized use of his narrative and his family's likeness is why Michael and his siblings are suing Vergara and Netflix. Griselda's children stressed that the show should not be released since depicting their image without their permission violated their rights.

The lawsuit reportedly did not state Netflix had no right to create a show about their late mother, given her status as a public figure. However, Griselda's children believed they could challenge the series since it allegedly depicted them in some capacity.

The trailer for Vergara's new project captured the Colombian actress in a new light as she spectacularly transforms into the infamous drug lord. The 51-year-old shed her comedic image for a more rigid exterior that screamed La Jefa ("The Boss").

She is the series's main lead and an executive producer on the project, scheduled to be released on Netflix by January 25. The drama series will feature six hour-long episodes created by Eric Newman and Andrés Baiz.

The creators' names may sound familiar to fans as they are part of the team behind the hit "Narcos" show. Newman, Baiz, Doug Miro, Ingrid Escajeda, and Carlo Bernard serve as executive producers alongside Luis Balaguer with Latin World Entertainment.

Newman raved about their new project in an interview, claiming Griselda had been on his mind for a long time. "From the earliest days of my research for what became Narcos, [Griselda] leapt out at me as a fascinating character," he explained to TUDUM, adding:

"I have always endeavored to humanize complicated people, many of whom have been considered evil, and Griselda offered both the greatest challenge and opportunity."

The upcoming series, inspired by the infamous Cocaine Godmother, follows the story of a doting mother who created one of the most profitable cartels in history. It will showcase how Griselda used her "lethal blend of unsuspected savagery and charm" to juggle her family and business responsibilities.

Despite the notorious character being different from any of Vergara's previous roles, Newman praised her portrayal of the notorious drug lord, saying:

"She was perfect for the role –– not only because she, like Griselda, is a single mother who came to America from Colombia with nothing and built an empire –– but because it was unexpected of her to do [so]."

"Sofia has been thought of one way –– a beautiful and brilliant comedic actress –– and she is so much more than that," the series' co-creator declared.