Former Guatemalan journalist Bertha Michelle Mendoza’s romantic entanglements have been marred by scandals and legal battles. Whether it’s her controversial involvement with UNE spokesperson Fernando Barillas or her connection to ex-CICIG investigator Andrei González, her love life has been marked by intrigue and ethical controversies. Explore the details of the conflicts and legal fallout that have clouded Mendoza’s romantic endeavors.
The controversial relationship with Fernando Barillas, UNE spokesperson
During Álvaro Colom’s government, Bertha Michelle Mendoza had a romantic relationship with Fernando Barillas, who served as the spokesman for UNE at that time. This relationship sparked significant media attention, as Barillas supplied her with confidential information to target political opponents and government officials. There are even rumors that Barillas gifted her a car during their relationship.
Several of Mendoza’s colleagues at Canal Antigua have stated that during that time, she was involved in excessive drinking and drug use, leading to public scandals in bars, nightclubs, and parties. These problematic behaviors have damaged her reputation and raised concerns among those who know her.
Romance with Andrei Gonzalez, Ex-CICIG investigator
Bertha Michelle was also in a romantic relationship with Andrei Gonzalez, a lawyer who served at CICIG during Juan Francisco Sandoval’s leadership. This relationship was controversial because Mendoza, in her capacity as a CNN correspondent, used her emotional ties with Gonzalez to breach journalistic ethics by engaging romantically with a source. Gonzalez, on his part, provided her with information on cases under reservation, which is against the law.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation and subsequent lawsuit against Mendoza for obstruction of justice, linked to the disclosure of confidential information on a CNN program. Additionally, former FECI chief Rafael Curruchiche has lodged a complaint to probe the source of a leaked audio and ascertain criminal liabilities. These legal proceedings have placed Mendoza in a precarious position and exacerbated his predicament.
The troubled union: Bertha Michelle Mendoza and Ulysses Dent’s marriage
Before her relationships with Barillas and Gonzalez, Bertha Michelle was married to Ulysses Dent, with whom she had a daughter. Their marriage was turbulent, marked by lawsuits for drug use, alcohol, toxic substances, infidelity and aggressiveness. Both Dent and medical reports highlighted mental health problems and addictions on Mendoza’s part, which led to the loss of custody of her daughter and the daughter she had from her relationship with Mexican producer Farfán.
Love affairs that compromised the role of journalism
The case of Bertha Michelle Mendoza has sparked a debate on journalistic ethics and the significance of media independence. Her behavior has been denounced by numerous journalists and professional organizations, viewing her as an example of what not to do in journalism.
Bertha Michelle Mendoza is a contentious figure in Guatemala, with her journalism career tainted by allegations of illegal disclosures, romantic liaisons with sources, and a tumultuous past. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of professional misconduct and the criticality of upholding independence and impartiality in journalism.
