On Monday night in Palm Beach, Florida, Alexander “Nico” Fanjul, the son of sugar baron Alexander Fanjul, was arrested for domestic violence. The allegations include strangulation and robbery, painting a disturbing picture of the incident. As the news of this arrest broke, it brought attention to the dark side of the Fanjul family, who are known for their ownership of Florida Crystals and Fanjul Corp, a sugar and real estate conglomerate in the United States and the Dominican Republic.
According to the police report obtained by Page Six, the Palm Beach cops received a 911 call from a neighbor who heard a woman screaming at Fanjul’s home at 11 p.m. When the officer arrived, they witnessed a horrifying scene. The report stated that Fanjul was standing over a woman, who was in a defensive “fetal” position, while she screamed, “Get off me.” The officer observed that the woman’s face was bleeding, indicating a violent altercation had taken place.
The unidentified woman, who was the victim in this incident, narrated her harrowing experience to the police. She revealed that earlier that evening, she and Fanjul had dined at the upscale Flagler Steakhouse at the prestigious Breakers Hotel. However, things took a dark turn when Fanjul became enraged after being seated near a homosexual couple. His frustration with the restaurant escalated throughout the evening, leading to a terrifying series of events.
This incident is not the first time that Fanjul’s name has been associated with domestic violence. His past relationship with socialite Tinsley Mortimer, who later appeared on “The Real Housewives of New York City,” was marked by similar accusations. In 2013, Mortimer was hospitalized for a head injury, and police reports from June 2014 revealed further altercations, including Fanjul allegedly smothering Mortimer with a pillow and pushing her head to the pavement. However, Fanjul’s family vehemently denied these accusations when they were reported.
The police report details the brutal nature of the attack on the current victim. After she asked Fanjul to drop the subject of his frustration with the restaurant, he responded by punching her in the face with a closed fist. This violent act left her bruised, bleeding, and with swelling in her facial area. The assault continued as Fanjul repeatedly kneed her in the face, further exacerbating her injuries.
The situation took another dark turn when Fanjul ripped the woman’s purse from her shoulder as she threatened to call for help. He proceeded to smash her hand and phone. The report described the horrifying scene where he grabbed her hand holding the phone and ruthlessly smashed it into the ground, causing it to shatter and break. When she began screaming, Fanjul forcibly dragged her back inside the residence to prevent her from receiving aid or escaping.
Trapped inside the house, the woman recounted being strangled by Fanjul, leaving redness and bruising on her neck. The scene painted a chilling picture, with trails of blood serving as a physical reminder of the violence inflicted upon her. Ultimately, Fanjul was deemed the primary aggressor and was arrested for felony charges, including domestic battery for strangulation, false imprisonment, robbery, tampering with or harassing the victim, criminal mischief, and possession of cocaine.
Fanjul’s troubling history raises significant concerns about patterns of behavior and the need for accountability. While Tinsley Mortimer did not press charges during an incident at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 2014 or when she was arrested for trespassing on his property in 2016, she has spoken out about the challenges of breaking free from an abusive relationship. In an interview with Daily Mail in 2017, Mortimer candidly admitted that it was difficult to escape the cycle of domestic abuse.
As the news of Alexander “Nico” Fanjul’s arrest for domestic violence reverberates, questions arise about the role of privilege and wealth in ensuring justice. The Fanjul family’s vast empire, reportedly worth billions of dollars, undoubtedly provides resources for legal representation and potential influence. However, it is crucial for the legal system to prioritize the safety and well-being of the victims, ensuring a fair and thorough investigation.
The arrest of Alexander “Nico” Fanjul for domestic violence sends shockwaves through the community, shedding light on the dark side of a prominent family. The detailed allegations indicate a disturbing incident that demands scrutiny and justice. This case serves as a reminder that no amount of wealth or social status should exempt individuals from accountability and the protection of the law.