Pablo Escobar’s brother has suggested that hitmen should protect Netflix "Narcos" location scouts in Mexico.
De Jesus Escobar Gaviria proffered this advice to the network after a location manager was shot and killed while scouting an area in rural Mexico earlier this week, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Carlos Munoz Portal was reportedly scouting for a location for the upcoming fourth season of the Netflix series "Narcos." The motive of the murder is unknown, and Portal is believed to have been working solo in an area notorious for violent crime, The Hollywood reporter said.
Shortly after the death, Netflix released a statement saying: "We are aware of the passing of Carlos Munoz Portal, a well-respected scout, and send our condolences to his family. The facts surrounding his death are still unknown as authorities continue to investigate," Rolling Stone magazine noted.
Gaviria, 71, was the lead accountant for his brother in the 1980s, and was once known as the "chief of hitmen" for Escobar’s notorious Medellin cartel, The Hollywood Reporter noted. After his release from a ten-year imprisonment, Gaviria founded Escobar Inc. and registered for "successor-in-interest" rights for his brother in 2014. Referring to the "Narcos" series, which is based on his brother’s life and notoriety, Gaviria sent Netflix a letter in July 2016 demanding $1 billion for unauthorized usage of content.
Gaviria spoke to The Hollywood Reporter shortly following the "Narcos" scout death, and suggested that Netflix, "provide hitmen to their people as security." In the exclusive interview, Gaviria also went on to say, "I don't want Netflix or any other film production company to film any movies in Medellin or Colombia that relates to me or my brother Pablo without authorization from Escobar Inc. It is very dangerous. Especially without our blessing. This is my country."
Netflix has yet to release a further statement regarding Portal’s death, which has been widely covered by news organizations, or Gaviria’s advice.