The Criminal Court number 12 of Seville has sentenced actress María León to pay a total fine of 5,700 euros for crimes of resistance and minor injuries following an incident with the Local Police that occurred in October 2022. The court found her guilty of resisting police action and inflicting minor injuries on an officer during her arrest but acquitted her of disobedience.
The incident took place in the early hours of October 1, 2022, around 4:45 a.m. According to the court's ruling, León was part of a group that confronted police officers after they stopped a cyclist, who was riding under the influence of alcohol, for a sobriety test. The group, including León, expressed their discontent with the police's actions.
During the confrontation, the officers requested León to identify herself. Following this, she voluntarily entered the police vehicle, but once it started moving, her friends attempted to interfere with the police action by blocking the vehicle. In the chaos, an unidentified person opened the back door of the police car, allowing León to escape.
As officers pursued her, León reportedly punched one of the officers in the right cheek and kicked her while shouting derogatory insults, including "hija de puta, zorra" ("son of a bitch, whore"). The judge noted that León acted with the intent to resist arrest and cause physical harm to the officer.
The court's decision, which was announced on March 28, 2025, included a breakdown of the fines: 4,800 euros for the crime of resistance and 900 euros for the minor crime of injury. Additionally, León is required to compensate the injured officer with 100 euros, which will be deducted from the 150 euros she had previously deposited before the trial.
León's trial took place on March 14, 2025. During her testimony, she claimed that she suffers from claustrophobia, which she argued led to her panicking inside the police vehicle, prompting her to exit the car. However, the judge did not accept this defense, stating that video evidence showed her smiling and calm while inside the vehicle, contradicting her claims of distress.
The judge emphasized that the police officers’ accounts were detailed and consistent, while León's testimony was found lacking credibility. The court also dismissed reports from two psychologists who diagnosed León with claustrophobia, stating that they did not convincingly support her defense.
In her defense, León expressed regret for the altercation but maintained that she never intended to be violent. She described feeling overwhelmed by the police presence and claimed that the situation escalated unnecessarily. The actress acknowledged having consumed alcohol that night but insisted that her behavior was not violent.
After the verdict, León's legal team indicated that they would consider appealing the decision. Meanwhile, the judge acquitted the other two individuals who were charged alongside León, citing insufficient evidence against them.
The incident has drawn significant media attention, partly due to León's status as a well-known actress in Spain. She is recognized for her roles in various television series and films, and this incident has sparked discussions about celebrity behavior and interactions with law enforcement.
León's case highlights ongoing tensions between the public and police, especially in situations involving alcohol and nightlife. The court's ruling reflects a broader societal debate about accountability and the consequences of resisting authority. As the public awaits further developments, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play during police encounters.
In the wake of the ruling, León has expressed her intention to continue her career despite the legal challenges she faces. She has stated that she feels victimized by the police and has sought therapy to cope with the aftermath of the incident. The actress's future projects remain uncertain as she navigates the legal landscape and public scrutiny.
The court's decision is not the end of the road for León, as she still has the option to appeal. The outcome of any potential appeal could further shape public perception and influence discussions on law enforcement practices and celebrity culture in Spain.
