Journalist Anabel Hernández has won a lawsuit filed by Mexican actress and singer Ninel Conde, who had accused Hernández of defamation after her alleged relationship with drug trafficker Arturo Beltrán Leyva was exposed in the book 'Emma and Other Narco Women.'
Conde had sued Hernández for alleged moral damages, but after three years of litigation the General Court of Justice in Mexico City ruled in favor of the journalist.
Sharing the details of the decision, Hernández said:
"This December, for the first time, a court has issued a ruling that will make history. The court has confirmed that the connections between celebrities and organized crime do indeed exist. Additionally, the ruling categorically states that my book, my investigation, and my claims have caused no moral, financial, or any other form of harm to Ms. Ninel Conde," Hernández explained.
According to Hernández, Ninel Conde had sought a substantial financial settlement as compensation for the alleged harm caused by the book's publication. However, the court ruled against her and in favor of the publisher.
"In my book 'Emma and the Narco Women,' I revealed the names of several famous women, including Ninel Conde. I dedicated the chapter 'The Killer Bombshell' to her, stating unequivocally—based on direct witnesses and documents held by the Attorney General's Office—that Ms. Conde had an intimate relationship with drug trafficker Arturo Beltrán Leyva and participated in laundering money for his criminal organization," Hernández revealed.
Hernández concluded by asserting: "Ms. Ninel Conde indeed had a romantic relationship with drug trafficker Arturo Beltrán Leyva. The court also determined it is likely true that she was involved in illicit financial operations and confirmed that 'Emma and the Narco Women' contains information of public interest."
The book alleges that Ninel Conde had a romantic relationship with Arturo Beltrán Leyva, also known as "El Barbas," between 2007 and 2009.
What has Ninel Conde said?
As of now, "The Killer Bombshell" has not commented on the ruling, and it is unclear if she plans to do so.
Who was "El Barbas"?
Arturo "El Barbas" Beltrán Leyva was one of Mexico's most infamous drug lords. The leader and founder of the Beltrán Leyva Cartel, the criminal organization was involved in drug trafficking across Mexico.
He collaborated with prominent figures in the Mexican drug trade, including Amado "El Señor de los Cielos" Carrillo Fuentes, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, and Edelio López Falcón.
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