Sofia Vergara Responds To Controversy Over Netflix Series "Griselda" Scene

Sofia Vergara Addresses Backlash Over 'Griselda' Scene: 'It's Just a TV Show.

Davy

• Published in Film & TV
• February 19, 2024

Actress Sofia Vergara has spoken out amidst controversy surrounding a scene from the Netflix series "Griselda," in which her character is depicted snorting a substance. Vergara defends the portrayal, stating that it is simply part of the storyline and should not be taken out of context.

Sofia Vergara has pulled back the curtain on a prevalent illusion in the entertainment realm: the depiction of drug use on screen. In a recent revelation, she shed light on what actors are genuinely inhaling during scenes that depict cocaine consumption.

Contrary to common belief, the white powder showcased on screen isn't genuine cocaine. Instead, actors utilize harmless substitutes that mimic the appearance of the real substance. This method ensures the seamless continuation of our beloved series without risking any legal repercussions!

Let's delve further into the intriguing realm of on-screen illusions and explore how filmmakers uphold the authenticity of their productions while staying within legal boundaries.

Much like actors using herbal substitutes for cigarettes on camera to avoid the harmful effects of tobacco, there's also a stand-in for hard drugs.

Sofia Vergara, known for her role in the Netflix drama "Griselda," revealed this interesting tidbit. The series delves into the story of a notorious Colombian drug lord, also named Griselda.

The real Griselda, often dubbed the "cocaine godmother," fully embraced her infamous reputation. She even named one of her sons Michael Corleone, inspired by the iconic gangster character from the movies.

"Griselda" has garnered significant critical acclaim, with audiences also thoroughly enjoying the show.

However, there's one aspect of the production that Sofia Vergara found challenging – simulating drug use scenes. In an interview with AP Entertainment, Vergara revealed that she had to learn how to convincingly pretend to snort cocaine for certain scenes. She credited the director of "Griselda," Andrés Baiz, for teaching her the technique.

Vergara shared, "Pretend cocaine? I learned how to snort it with Andrés Baiz, the director. He was very helpful for me because I didn't know how to smoke either. So he would come to my house and, you know, I wanted to make it real. I wanted to be not thinking about it while I was acting, so I also wanted to do it before I would get to the set."

Regarding the substance employed to simulate cocaine, Sofia Vergara revealed that the experience wasn't pleasant for her, and she wouldn't want to go through it again. Although it may mimic cocaine in appearance, it doesn't elicit the same reaction when snorted.

"I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's not a pleasant sensation. It's like ingesting some kind of milk," Vergara confessed, puzzled. Executive producer Eric Newman then interjected, confirming that it was indeed 'powdered milk'.

"It's not a pleasant experience. I wanted to nail the scene perfectly in one go, so I didn't have to repeat it a hundred times," Vergara shared. Despite the discomfort, she remained enthusiastic about portraying Griselda and was captivated by the series' storyline. "I was really drawn to the story," she added.

Griselda is now streaming on Netflix.

Davy