A woman who engaged in a five-year relationship with the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar recently shared her only regret from their time together.
Virginia Vallejo disclosed that she was lured into an extramarital affair by the Colombian cocaine trafficker’s charming and sentimental words before he was fatally shot by police in 1993 at the age of 44. The former model and TV presenter, now 76, praised Escobar as a “monster” and expressed her unwavering love for him. However, despite having no regrets about their affair, she lamented not seizing a potentially life-changing opportunity that Escobar had presented to her.
In a preview of her upcoming revealing book, Vallejo admitted that she has never regretted her relationships with any of her past husbands or with Escobar, whom she described as transforming into a monster. While residing in Miami after testifying against several of Escobar’s associates, she expressed regret over not capitalizing on his wealth.
Recalling a pivotal moment, Vallejo shared, “He told me, ‘Ask for whatever you want,’ and I replied, ‘I don’t want anything, Pablo,’ like a fool. That decision remains a regret in my life; I should have requested everything from him!”
Vallejo first encountered Escobar in 1982 at his estate in Medellín, Colombia, during her involvement with Aníbal Turbay, the nephew of then-President Julio César Turbay. Their relationship blossomed six months later, as Vallejo was captivated by Escobar’s endearing and persuasive words. She emphasized that their affair was kept strictly confidential and that they often met alone at his estate or penthouse.
Despite Escobar’s criminal activities as a cocaine kingpin, Vallejo disregarded his illicit endeavors, believing in his purported intentions to alleviate poverty in Medellín. She also credited Escobar for aiding in her divorce from her second husband by intimidating him, sending her orchids, and paying off her debts.
Reflecting on their relationship, Vallejo stated, “Do my words about Pablo seem unbelievable to you? He rescued me, cleared my debts, sent me orchids, and divorced me from a tyrant.” She clarified, “I wasn’t the only woman in Pablo Escobar’s life; we were equals in our relationship. He called me his ‘little panther’ and later, ‘his pure soul.’”