Mexican journalist and historian Ernestina Sodi Miranda, sister of singer Thalía and mother of actress Camila Sodi, passed away on November 8 in Mexico City at the age of 64 due to complications following two heart attacks.
Her daughter, actress Camila Sodi, confirmed the news with a message on her Instagram stories: "Ernestina Sodi, my mom, the grandmother of my babies—November 8, 2024." Her babies, Gerónimo and Fiona, were born during her marriage to Diego Luna.
Who was Ernestina Sodi?
Born on July 24, 1960, Ernestina studied Modern Letters and earned a degree in Art History, along with specialized training in aesthetics. Her literary work includes socially significant topics, and her book "Líbranos del mal" (Deliver Us From Evil) explores the 2002 kidnapping she and her sister Laura Zapata endured, a traumatic experience she openly discussed.
In addition to "Líbranos del mal", Ernestina published other works." Los cerezos negros" (The Black Cherry Tree) (2011) is a novel addressing human trafficking, based on real events. Through the story of two young Mexican women deceived by promises of a modeling career in Japan, she exposes the harsh realities of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
She also authored" Águeda, La última mariposa de papel" (Águeda, The Last Paper Butterfly) (2012), a story revolving around love, tenderness, and passion, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the challenges women face in contemporary society.
Beyond her publications, her career included modeling and participating in beauty pageants, such as being crowned Miss Distrito Federal in 1977.
Ernestina Sodi's personal life
Ernestina married twice. The first time to Fernando González Parra, a lawyer and journalist from UNAM who owned the newspaper Ovaciones.
They had two daughters together: actress and singer Camila, and anthropologist and plastic artist Marina. Their marriage ended in divorce after Ernestina reported suffering physical and psychological abuse by González Parra.
More recently, on May 27, 2011, following the funeral of her mother, Yolanda Miranda Mange, Ernestina married Mauricio Camps in a civil ceremony. At the time, Camps was serving as the Secretary of Public Education in Mexico City. The ceremony included her sisters along with Thalía's husband, Tommy Mottola. The union with Mauricio Camps lasted approximately two years, ending in separation in 2013.
The Kidnapping that Changed Her Life
On September 22, 2002, Ernestina and older sister Laura were kidnapped in Mexico City after leaving the San Rafael Theater, where Laura was starring in the play "La casa de Bernarda Alba". As they headed to their car, they were intercepted by armed men who forced them into a van. The incident was attributed to the criminal gang "Los Tiras," who demanded a large ransom for their release.
During their captivity, the sisters were kept in harsh conditions and subjected to constant threats and mistreatment. Laura was released after 18 days to negotiate Ernestina's release. Ernestina remained captive for 34 days until she was finally freed following a ransom payment.
The kidnapping received extensive media coverage, not only due to the victims' prominence but also due to controversies that emerged afterward. In her book "Líbranos del mal, "Ernestina recounted her ordeal and suggested that Laura Zapata complicated her release by revealing to the kidnappers that they were sisters, complicating the negotiations. She also insinuated that Zapata might have orchestrated the kidnapping to obtain money from their sister Thalía, who reportedly financed the ransom.
Ernestina also revealed in her book that she endured various humiliations and inhumane treatment, including a sexual assault during her captivity—claims that Laura Zapata continues to deny.
These statements caused a rift between the sisters, leading to a series of public disputes. Laura Zapata denied the accusations, expressing regret that Ernestina spread "lies" about the kidnapping.
Health Issues
Recently, Ernestina faced health challenges that drew public attention. In October 2024, she was hospitalized in an emergency after suffering two heart attacks, leading her daughter, Camila and Thalía, to request blood donors on social media and thank the support the family had received during this difficult time.
It was Thalía herself who reportedly traveled to Mexico to be with her sister during this challenging time, sharing moments from the hospital on social media and expressing heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff and to all the fans who sent well wishes and positive energy for her sister's health.
The Close Circle Bidding Farewell to Ernestina Sodi
Ernestina Sodi is survived by a family renowned in Mexico's artistic and cultural spheres, including:
- Camila Sodi: Her eldest daughter, an actress and singer with a career in television and film, known for starring in telenovelas like Rubí and films such as Camino a Marte.
- Marina Sodi: Her other daughter, who keeps a low profile but shares a close relationship with Ernestina and Camila.
- Thalía: Her younger sister, one of the most internationally recognized Mexican singers and actresses, with a successful career in music and telenovelas.
- Laura Zapata: Her maternal half-sister, a theater and television actress in Mexico, with whom she shared the traumatic experience of their 2002 kidnapping, a topic both have spoken about publicly.
Ernestina's other sisters, Gabriela Sodi and Federica Sodi, live more private lives.
May she rest in peace.
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