Actress María León has been sentenced to pay a total of €5,700 for her involvement in an incident with the local police in Seville that occurred in October 2022. The court's ruling, delivered on March 28, 2025, found León guilty of resisting authorities and causing minor injuries to a police officer, while acquitting her of disobedience.
The events leading to this verdict unfolded in the early hours of October 1, 2022, when León and her companions were stopped by police while returning from a dinner. One of her friends, who was riding a bicycle, was pulled over for a breathalyzer test. According to the court, when asked to identify herself, León refused and became confrontational, ultimately resulting in a physical altercation with the officers.
During the incident, León allegedly punched a police officer in the cheek and kicked her while hurling insults, including calling her "daughter of a whore" and "bitch." The officer sustained minor injuries, including a contusion on her cheek and knee, which took two days to heal. The court deemed the police testimony as "detailed, coherent, and consistent," rejecting León's claims that she was abused and mistreated by the officers.
Following the sentencing, León took to Instagram to share a message of support from fellow actress Aixa Villagrán, who described the treatment of León during the incident as "abusive" and "unjust." Villagrán, known for her role in the film La virgen roja, expressed her solidarity with León, emphasizing the need for justice in cases like this.
"Days like today remind me of all those names of people acquitted by Spanish justice, and I am overwhelmed with impotence and sadness," Villagrán wrote. "María León is approximately 1.65 meters tall, being held down by several police officers, mistreated in an absolutely unjust and vulnerable situation. No one knows but everyone opines. All my support to @marialeonbarrios."
León's legal troubles have been a topic of discussion in her recent appearances, particularly in an upcoming interview with journalist Jordi Évole on the show Lo de Évole, which will air on March 30, 2025. This season has been one of the best for the program, averaging 1.2 million viewers each Sunday, marking a significant increase in viewership compared to previous years.
In the interview, León reflects on her life, career, and the ongoing trial stemming from the police incident. "I was offered a deal, but I did not want to back down," she stated, expressing her determination to resist the charges against her. "They have tried to condemn me in other ways, and it has been much more painful. I want to feel that I have stood my ground. I may not win, but I will resist a little bit."
León, who has been in the public eye since winning the Goya Award for Best New Actress in 2011 for her role in La voz dormida, has faced challenges both personally and professionally. She revealed that after the incident with the police, she went through a tough time, during which fellow actor Raúl Cimas provided support to help her cope.
In addition to discussing her legal issues, León and Évole touched upon the broader topic of abuse within the film industry, particularly in the context of the #MeToo movement. León criticized the lack of attention given to these issues in Spain, stating, "I haven't been asked much about #MeToo in Spanish cinema, considering how much it should be discussed. There is a well-known director to whom I said no three times."
The discussion highlights the ongoing struggle against abuse and the need for more awareness and dialogue in the entertainment industry. León's candidness about her experiences sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the field and the importance of standing up against injustice.
As León navigates her legal battles and continues to speak out on important issues, her story resonates with many who have faced similar struggles. The upcoming interview on Lo de Évole promises to provide further insights into her journey and the realities of being an actress in today's world.
With the court's decision now in place, León faces a fine of €4,800 for the charge of resistance and €900 for minor injury, along with a compensation payment of €100 to the injured officer. While the ruling is subject to appeal, León's case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding encounters with law enforcement and the need for accountability on both sides.
The outcome of this incident not only impacts León's career but also raises questions about the treatment of individuals by authorities and the broader implications for society. As she prepares for the next chapter in her life, León's resilience and commitment to her principles will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who follow her story.
