Sean Penn is ready to share details about his secret interview with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera.
In a new piece for Rolling Stone published online Saturday evening, the actor presents an in-depth article that details his quest to organize a conversation with one of the world’s most wanted men in the world.
After careful details and planning, a secret seven-hour chat was conducted in a jungle clearing. Along the way, a variety of topics were explored including El Chapo’s childhood and his experience fleeing from both Mexican and American authorities.
We’ve tried our best to compile the most fascinating parts in the lengthy piece. You may be surprised to read what transpired.
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1. Challenging Childhood: To say life was difficult growing up may be an understatement. Beginning at 15 years old, El Chapo started exploring with drugs to support his family. “I was raised in a ranch named La Tuna, in that area, and up until today, there are no job opportunities,” he explained. “The only way to have money to buy food, to survive, is to grow poppy, marijuana, and at that age, I began to grow it, to cultivate it and to sell it. That is what I can tell you.”
2. Danger Ahead: El Chapo doesn’t consider himself a violent person. He does, however, realize that he’s prone to it. “Look, all I do is defend myself, nothing more,” he explained. “But do I start trouble? Never.”
3. Family Bonds: While he doesn’t have any special dreams, he hopes to “live with my family the days God gives me.” He admits to being “happy” the way things are in the world and calls his relationship with mom “perfect.”
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4. Say No to Drugs: Despite his occupation and charges against him, El Chapo insists he is not an addict. In fact, he hasn’t done any drugs in the last 20 years.
5. Hesitation: Sean was open about his mindset throughout the interview process. “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,” Sean wrote. “But I’m in my rhythm. Everything I say to everyone must be true. As true as it is compartmentalized”
He continued, “The trust that El Chapo had extended to us was not to be f–ked with. This will be the first interview El Chapo had ever granted outside an interrogation room, leaving me no precedent by which to measure the hazards.”
El Chapo was ultimately caught last week by authorities. You can still read the full interview on Rolling Stone‘s website here.
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