After the complaint that Maribel Guardia filed on Tuesday afternoon against her daughter-in-law, Imelda Tuñón, the actress broke her silence about the complicated situation she faced overnight at the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office. Through a statement, she explained how she spent the night awaiting a favorable ruling after accusing the widow of her son, Julián Figueroa, of allegedly abandoning their seven-year-old grandson, José Julián. As Maribel’s husband, Marco Chacón, had previously mentioned, the minor was temporarily placed in the actress’s care, pending a new custody resolution.
“Yesterday was a day full of emotions. After meeting with the authorities (the Children’s Defense Prosecutor's Office and DIF), we finished at five in the morning today. My grandson is with me,” Maribel begins in an extensive statement. She adds, “For obvious reasons, we remained in a place different from the maternal side of my grandson’s family. The specialists in these types of investigations informed us that after analyzing all parties, they determined that the child should stay temporarily (for 10 days with me), while the investigation is carried out.”
Maribel echoed the words of Imelda, who spent the night outside the Attorney General’s Office awaiting her son, where she told the press: “Don’t take my son away, it’s not fair. Don’t do this. You already had your son, give me my chance to raise my son, leave me in peace.”
In response, the actress said: “I have not been granted custody. I am convinced that children should be with their mothers. I will always defend that principle. But, that being said: He needs a healthy mother, fully capable of caring for him. It goes without saying that I do not intend to replace my son; his loss is irreparable, and his absence permanent. But it is my duty to protect my grandson’s well-being and health.”
The temporary resolution
Regarding the legal process, Maribel continued: “For now, the authorities have determined that the most suitable environment for the child is with his grandmother, in the home where he has happily lived since birth, in a family setting. In this process, we will leave the solution in God’s hands and the corresponding authorities, always respecting their judgment, in the best interest of my grandson.”
The Costa Rican actress also expressed her wish to keep the situation out of the public eye, stating she would not give further interviews on the matter. “If you see me avoiding interviews, it’s because it’s not healthy for the child, in addition to being legally restricted from doing so in order not to hinder the investigation’s progress.”
Finally, she stated: “I pray to God that his mother strives to recover and that when that happens, the child can return to her in conditions suitable for his healthy development. I will be the happiest if that happens. In the meantime, the child will remain in my home, filled with love and care from my own hands, and I take on this responsibility as I have since the day my grandson was born. Thank you to everyone for the kind words for my grandson. Thanks to the media for always allowing me to speak with all of you.”