Fans of Mexican actress show support as she faces investigation
LOS ANGELES -- A handful of fans devoted to Mexican actress Kate del Castillo held signs outside the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles Monday, showing their support as del Castillo faces an investigation into suspected money laundering, reports CBS Los Angeles.
Del Castillo was thrust into the international spotlight earlier this month, after it was revealed that she introduced actor Sean Penn to famed drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Penn interviewed Guzman for "Rolling Stone" magazine, and in doing so, Mexican authorities claim, Penn led investigators to Guzman.
Now del Castillo is facing accusations that she took money from Guzman to fund a tequila business, Honor del Castillo, which Penn wrote he drank while travelling to meet Guzman.
Ricardo Manjarrez, an entertainment correspondent for Mexican network TV Azteca told CBS Los Angeles that many in Mexico believe del Castillo is being unfairly targeted.
"That's what people say, that the Mexican government hates that Kate del Castillo found El Chapo first," Manjarrez said.
Outside the consulate on Monday, fan Miguel Lopez, said he's met the actress about 10 times and said he wants her to know she has supporters.
"If we see her, we want to show her our respect, our support, and our love for her," Lopez said.
In addition to being one of Mexico's biggest stars, del Castillo has appeared in several American TV shows, including "Telenovela" and "Jane the Virgin." She hasn't given any interviews since Penn's story was published. Manjarrez said her silence creates the impression that del Castillo is hiding.
"Everybody is looking for her so it makes it more interesting," Manjarrez said.