Full Breakdown
Colombian Presidential Bid Controversy: Abelardo De la Espriella’s Alleged Victory and Past Allegations
6/24/2026, 12:21:15 AM
Alleged Election Victory and Trump Endorsement
Abelardo De la Espriella, a Colombian lawyer, is reported to have won the Colombian presidential bid in the latest vote after receiving an endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The source provides no official results or direct Trump quote.
Background & Context
De la Espriella practiced as a defense attorney in Miami, representing right-wing paramilitary groups and politicians accused of corruption. He is also described as a businessman who frequently wears tailored suits, fedoras and luxury watches.
Allegations of Misconduct
Zeteo’s report alleges De la Espriella tied firecrackers to cats as a child, calling it a “bad joke.” It also claims he made remarks about genitals on a radio show, showed reporter photo of himself in sweatpants and asked her to zoom in on groin.
Official Statements & Responses
The source notes a court ordered De la Espriella to issue an apology for harassment. No comment from De la Espriella, his campaign, or Colombia’s electoral authority is provided. The Trump endorsement lacks a source or quote.
Criticism & Opposition
Zeteo’s coverage calls De la Espriella’s background “eye-opening,” noting alleged wealth flaunting and past defense of paramilitary actors. It labels his conduct “scathing” and highlights the sexual-harassment claim as criticism, offering no rebuttal from candidate or supporters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He Tied Firecrackers to Cats. Yes, you read that right,” — Zeteo report
- “On a television show, De la Espriella confessed that when young, he tied firecrackers to cats to try to make them fly, but they ended up exploding.” — Zeteo report
- “On a popular radio show, De la Espriella said women would vote for him because of the size of his genitals, then showed a female reporter a photo of himself in sweatpants, asking her to zoom in on his groin,” — Zeteo report
- “The reporter said she felt ‘violated, harassed, and disgusted.’ A court ordered him to publicly apologize.” — Female reporter (as reported by Zeteo)
- “The reporter said she felt ‘violated, harassed, and disgusted.’ A court ordered him to publicly apologize.” — Court order (as reported by Zeteo)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source provides no verification of De la Espriella’s election win or Colombian electoral data. The Trump endorsement lacks a source or quote. Allegations of misconduct rely solely on Zeteo’s reporting, with no statements from outlets or documents.
What’s Next
The apology has been issued, but actions are not detailed. Investigations into the alleged harassment and election legitimacy remain unspecified. Observers may await confirmation of results from Colombia’s electoral commission and a response from De la Espriella’s campaign.
