Shortly after reports emerged of an incident involving Maribel Guardia and her daughter-in-law, Imelda Tuñón, the actress confirmed the situation, revealing her concern for the welfare of her grandson, José Julián Figueroa, the seven-year-old son of the late Julián Figueroa, who passed away in April 2023. Through her Instagram account, the Costa Rican-born actress announced she had filed a complaint against her grandson's mother "solely to protect his well-being." While Guardia did not share specific details about the January 21 incident, social media reports suggest there was a disagreement between the two women at the child's school in Mexico City.
"With a heavy heart, I share that I felt morally obligated to file a complaint against my grandson's mother solely to protect his well-being. I have no desire to go into details or damage her image. I only want to ensure my grandson's safety and allow God and the authorities to decide what is prudent," Guardia wrote in a statement shared with her 9.1 million Instagram followers.
This announcement comes just a week after Maribel revealed that she had undergone outpatient surgery. Though the procedure required no extensive recovery, the actress shared the details with her followers, explaining that she had delayed the operation for 11 years. "I started the year focusing on my health. Eleven years ago, I had surgery on my right eye to improve my near vision. I was supposed to have the left eye operated on for distance vision a month later, but due to work and other setbacks, I finally got it done. I'm like the bionic woman now," she wrote.
There were no prior indications of a rift between Maribel and Imelda, but Maribel's social media pages have lacked photos or posts featuring her daughter-in-law for months. In contrast, posts featuring her grandson are abundant, as he is the centerpiece of much of her content.
Although Maribel Guardia did not provide further details about the January 21 incident, journalist Jacqueline Martínez reported that Maribel went to pick up her grandson from school, where Imelda was also present. This allegedly led to a confrontation between the two that escalated and caught the attention of other parents at the school, as well as little Julián, who witnessed the exchange. As of now, neither party has confirmed this version of events.
"She Has to Live Her Life"
In a media interview last June, Maribel Guardia was asked about Imelda Tuñón's personal life following reports of Imelda being seen with a man. While acknowledging the challenges, Maribel recognized that her daughter-in-law needed to move forward after Julián Figueroa's unexpected death on April 9, 2023.
"She'll probably be seen with several men because she's a single woman. It's not my favorite scenario, of course," she remarked. "But one day, she'll find someone who's truly right for her. Life goes on—it's hard for me, of course, but I understand that she has to live her life. I just pray to God that He sends her a good man because whoever she ends up with will also be a part of my grandson's life," she added.