Trouble in El Gordo y La Flaca: paparazzo faces prison time for harassing Gerard Pique's partner Clara Chía

Once again, Univision's "El Gordo y La Flaca" is in trouble. One of the main contributors of the TV show led by Raúl de Molina and Lili Estefan is facing a jail sentence. Spanish paparazzo Jordi Martín was sentenced to one year in prison and fined €10,000 (approximately $10,280) for harassment and injuries inflicted on Clara Chía, the girlfriend of former footballer and Shakira's ex-romantic partner Gerard Piqué.

In addition to the prison sentence, Martín has been ordered to maintain a distance of at least 1,000 meters (approximately 1,093 yards) from her residence. Following the completion of this restriction, the photojournalist must avoid any form of contact or communication with her for an additional year and a half.

The fine imposed on the photographer is intended to compensate Clara Chía for "moral damage." This amount will be complemented by €3,000 (about $3,204) to cover the medical expenses and treatments Clara Chía underwent due to the harassment. The exact cost of these medical expenses will be determined by a forensic report, as reported by multiple media outlets in Barcelona.

The case against Jordi Martín

The Spanish photographer's life changed dramatically in August 2022, when the Spanish edition of ¡Hola! magazine featured his photograph of Piqué and his new girlfriend on its cover. This image marked the couple's first public appearance together.

The photo quickly gained significant attention, as it followed closely on the heels of the news that the soccer player had ended his relationship with Shakira due to infidelity. Allegedly, Gerard Piqué started dating Clara Chía while still with the mother of his children, Milan and Sasha.

Soon after, he became a sought-after paparazzo and was hired as a permanent collaborator on Univision's afternoon show, El Gordo y La Flaca.

Five days ago, Jordi Martín claimed he was merely doing his job and that Clara Chía sometimes didn't even see him. "It's crazy what I experienced in that courtroom," he said regarding his face-to-face encounter with the young woman, which occurred before his sentencing. As of now, Martín has not made any public statement regarding the verdict.

This sentence marks a historical precedent in Spain, as no photographer had been convicted for harassment. Along with his prison term and fine, Martín will also have to cover the legal costs of the trial. Clara Chía had filed a complaint against Martín with the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) in May of last year due to the relentless pursuit she endured from the paparazzo, who was responsible for the first published photos of both her and the couple.