Sean Penn reportedly helped Mexican marines capture Joaqui?n Archivaldo “El Chapo” Guzma?n, but there’s just one problem — he allegedly had no intentions of doing so. Now, the 21 Grams actor is being investigated.
According to the Daily Mail, Sean Penn actually met with El Chapo back in October of last year while he was on the run in Mexico. For those who missed it, El Chapo escaped from Federal Social Readaptation Center No. 1, a maximum-security prison, on July 11, 2015, and had been on the run until his recent capture on January 8, 2016. But during that time, Mexican investigators claim Sean Penn met with him. It has been reported that the meeting was orchestrated by Sean Penn, Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, and a “fixer” representing the Sinaloa cartel.
The meeting led to the Sinaloa cartel shootout with authorities in the early morning hours on January 8. But, how did investigators link Sean Penn to El Chapo? The 55-year-old actor, penning a tell-all article for Rolling Stone, recounted his ” ‘ secret visit ‘ with the most wanted man in the world.”
El Chapo speaks: Sean Penn recounts his secret visit with the most wanted man in the world https://t.co/F4x6x8ANBd pic.twitter.com/8wDb2I6Xkt
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) January 10, 2016
In the article, which included a video of the interview, Sean Penn shed light on a number of little-known facts about the infamous drug trafficker. In the video, El Chapo, who still insists he’s nothing more than a “farmer,” revealed why his drug cartel has been so successful. He also revealed how he escaped from prison. Apparently, he had help from a group of experienced German engineers who are proficient with building underground tunnels. He reportedly hired the group to construct the tunnel he used to escape from the maximum security facility back in July of last year.
“I supply more heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana than anybody else in the world. I have a fleet of submarines, airplanes, trucks and boats,” El Chapo revealed.
Sean Penn’s exclusive interview landed him in hot water because he made no effort to inform Mexican authorities of El Chapo’s whereabouts. According to CNN , Mexican officials now want to question Sean Penn and Kate del Castillo.
Mexico wants to question actors Sean Penn and Kate del Castillo about his interview with “El Chapo,” official says. https://t.co/RbwWC45HwH
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) January 10, 2016
However, Sean did explain why he hadn’t. “I take no pride in keeping secrets that may be perceived as protecting criminals, nor do I have any gloating arrogance at posing for selfies with unknowing security men. But I’m in my rhythm. Everything I say to everyone must be true,” Penn wrote.
El Chapo met Sean Penn before his capture https://t.co/69e2BcH4ir
— Shared Home Ownership (@DavidHa51596823) January 10, 2016
However, Sean Penn’s actions have sparked a heated debate on social media as many people see his actions from a different perspective. In fact, many are calling for the arrest of Sean Penn since he withheld infamous regarding the whereabouts of one of the world’s most infamous criminals. But, the brash comments definitely didn’t stop there. Many Twitter users are furious about Sean Penn’s interview with El Chapo.
https://twitter.com/RevJoeASondrup/status/686216058684899328
https://twitter.com/HajiHuntingDoc/status/686165051972136960
Clearly the NSA should be monitoring #SeanPenn . He has a knack for finding murderous thugs our intel community cannot. #UsefulIdiot
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) January 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/Adam_Eversole/status/686013009534140416
At this point, El Chapo is at the center of an extradition battle. Seven states have already filed extradition requests to have El Chapo moved to a United States prison facility, but to no avail. Mexican officials refuse to allow the extradition, citing the legal loophole advantages that could be used by El Chapo’s legal team.
Although Sean Penn and Kate del Castillo are both under investigation, no charges have been filed against them as of yet. But, there is a possibility they could be charged for aiding and abetting a fugitive. Do you think Sean Penn should be charged for withholding information about El Chapo? Share your thoughts.
[Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images]
