Pablo Escobar’s Son Breaks Silence About His Father, Narcos, and The Cartel

Growing Up as Pablo Escobar’s Son

Sebastián Marroquín, formerly known as Juan Pablo Escobar, shares candid insights into his childhood, marked by constant danger and instability. Unlike many who romanticize the life of a cartel family, Sebastián paints a stark picture of a life on the run, where homes were temporary and safety was elusive. His family never stayed in one place for long, often fleeing after just one night due to threats from law enforcement and rival cartels. Despite the wealth and power his father wielded—moving an estimated 15 tons of cocaine daily into the United States—Sebastián recalls times of extreme hardship, including moments when they were surrounded by millions in cash but starving because they could not safely access food.

Sebastián emphasizes that his father, while a ruthless criminal on the outside, was a loving and protective father within the home. Pablo Escobar made efforts to shield his family from the chaos of his criminal empire, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy and family unity amid the turmoil. However, this love was complicated by the constant threat of violence, betrayal, and fear. Sebastián recounts how even family members turned against Pablo, driven by ambition or fear, making loyalty a rare and precious commodity.

The Burden of Legacy and Betrayal

The interview explores the heavy burden Sebastián carried as the son of a man with a $20 million bounty on his head and a $4 million bounty on Sebastián himself. In Colombian culture, the sins of the father often fall upon the children, and Sebastián was no exception. He faced threats not only from rival cartels and government forces but also from within his own family. Despite this, Sebastián chose a different path, rejecting the violent legacy of his father and striving to build a life based on peace and integrity.

Sebastián’s mother played a crucial role in protecting the family after Pablo Escobar’s death. She negotiated with various cartel factions, including the Cali and Norte del Valle cartels, to secure peace and ensure her children’s safety. Her courage and determination were instrumental in preventing further bloodshed and in convincing the cartels to spare Sebastián’s life, despite initial threats to kill him. Eventually, the family was forced to leave Colombia, finding refuge in Mozambique after being denied entry to multiple countries due to their association with Escobar.

Reflections on Pablo Escobar’s Life and the Narcos Phenomenon

Sebastián offers a critical perspective on the popular Netflix series Narcos and the global fascination with his father’s life. While he acknowledges the importance of telling the story, he expresses concern over the glorification of Pablo Escobar as a figure of success and power. Sebastián warns that many young people around the world are inspired by the show’s portrayal, mistakenly viewing the drug trade as a glamorous path to wealth and influence. He stresses that true success is measured not by money or power but by the ability to live freely and peacefully—something his father never achieved despite his vast fortune.

He also highlights the harsh realities behind the cartel lifestyle, including the immense violence, fear, and loss that accompanied his father’s reign. Sebastián recalls the loneliness and desperation of Pablo Escobar’s final days, surrounded by millions in cash but abandoned by his men and family. This contrast between wealth and suffering serves as a powerful lesson about the true cost of a life built on crime.

Healing, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Sebastián’s personal journey toward healing and reconciliation. He speaks openly about the trauma he endured and the ongoing process of coming to terms with his past. Rather than harboring resentment or bitterness, Sebastián has chosen forgiveness as a path forward. He has reached out to many of his father’s victims to seek their forgiveness and to foster a dialogue aimed at healing rather than forgetting.

Sebastián’s commitment to peace extends beyond his own life. He works with at-risk youth in Colombia, using his story to warn them about the dangers of the drug trade and to inspire them to choose different paths. He is involved in charitable efforts to support children living in poverty, emphasizing the importance of compassion and community support. His efforts reflect a desire to break the cycle of violence and poverty that ensnared his family and so many others.

Life After Escobar: Building a New Identity

Despite the shadow cast by his father’s legacy, Sebastián has forged a successful career as an architect, author, and public speaker. He has written several books and participated in documentaries that explore his family’s history with honesty and nuance. He speaks with humility and insight about the challenges of living under constant threat and the difficulties of rebuilding a life from scratch after losing everything.

Sebastián also discusses plans to launch a unique tour experience in Medellín, Colombia, designed not to glorify the cartel but to educate visitors about the complex history of the region, the consequences of violence, and the possibilities for redemption. The tour aims to raise awareness and support local communities, particularly children affected by poverty and violence, by donating part of the proceeds to charitable causes.

A Final Reflection on Family and Legacy

Throughout the interview, Sebastián stresses the importance of separating the man from the myth. He acknowledges his father’s flaws and the immense harm caused by his actions but also honors the love and humanity that existed within their family. He rejects judgment and encourages others to understand the complexities of human nature and the difficult choices people make under extreme circumstances.

The interview closes with a poignant reflection on Pablo Escobar’s final act—his decision to stay on the phone during his last moments, allowing authorities to trace his location and ultimately end his life. Sebastián interprets this as a final sacrifice, a way for his father to free his family from the relentless pursuit and violence that had defined their lives for so long.