Netflix’s ‘Luis Miguel: La Serie’ Just Got Slapped with a Major Legal Drama—And Issabela Camil Is at the Center
Netflix’s “Luis Miguel: La Serie” got into more trouble with Luis Miguel’s former lover, Issabela Camil. The popular show, produced by Diego Boneta, chronicles the life of one of Latin music’s most recognizable names. The show gives audiences a look into the personal struggles Miguel faced when his career and fame were soaring. The intimate and personal moments captured through the show have given way to legal challenges.
Netflix is in trouble again because of “Luis Miguel: La Serie”
In a complaint, Issabela Camil, Luis Miguel’s ex-girlfriend, claims that Netflix violated her sexual privacy rights. The violation stems from scenes depicting Camil’s private life with Miguel without her consent or permission. The complaint was filed with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalía General de la República), pointing to a series of amendments in the Federal Penal Code. This isn’t the first time Camil has filed against Netflix’s show.
Ley Olimpia, as the amendments are called, makes it a criminal offense to disseminate the intimate or personal content of an individual without consent. Originally aimed at revenge porn, Ley Olimpia applies to any portrayal of someone’s private life that is done for financial gain.
Netflix’s unparalleled global reach and dissemination exacerbated the issue of Camil’s unauthorized likeness being shared. Camil is demanding financial compensation from Netflix for the use of her likeness for the series. Additionally, she is demanding that Netflix remove or alter the scenes that show her portrayed in intimate moments.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office ordered Netflix to remove certain scenes from the show
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office gave Netflix five days to remove the scenes portraying Camil. It is unclear if Netflix has done so at this time. According to El País, the scenes were still included, and the Public Prosecutor has been ordered to find new evidence in case Netflix does not comply.
Diego Boneta, who portrays Luis Miguel and is a producer on the show, had a lot to say about the complaint. In a recent interview with Univision’s ‘Despierta América,’ Boneta claimed that the complaint was nothing more than a political attack.
“There are other interests at play,” Boneta told ‘Despierta América’. “Certain political forces are taking advantage in ways that are not always the most honest.”
He added: “What saddens me most is seeing how, in this country, people can manipulate situations with questionable intentions against something as important as freedom of expression.”
Boneta’s comments seem to be a thinly veiled accusation that Camil’s husband has something to do with it. Sergio Mayer, Camil’s husband, is an actor and politician who is part of the Morena political party. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is also part of the Morena political party.
Non-consensual portrayals of people in television shows have long been a problem. The proliferation of streaming platforms coupled with the growing consent-centered culture has created a delicate balance.
While the Luis Miguel story is his to tell, it is important that everyone portrayed be given the opportunity to consent. Having your likeness used without your permission could lead to real-life consequences. It is really no different than the issue of AI-generated art using celebrity likenesses, like the one of celebrities wearing anti-Kanye t-shirts.
