Clash of opinions in Colombia over Sofía Vergara’s series about Griselda Blanco

The release of a new Netflix series starring Sofía Vergara has sparked a debate about the portrayal of Colombia’s image abroad. The series, which narrates the life of drug trafficker Griselda Blanco, has received criticism from Colombian ambassador Roy Barreras, who believes that such productions harm the country’s international image. Barreras argues that there are plenty of positive stories to tell about modern Colombia, and that the focus on drug-related content from the 70s and 80s is damaging. However, his criticism was met with a strong rebuttal from former senator Gustavo Bolívar, who argued that it’s the actions of the corrupt and violent individuals that truly damage the country’s reputation, not the storytellers. Despite the heated exchange, Barreras emphasized that it’s not a personal fight between the two former congressmen and expressed respect for Bolívar’s role in progressivism. The clash of opinions highlights the ongoing debate about the portrayal of Colombia’s history and image in popular media.