Entertainment figures Mariella Zanetti and her former partner Farid Ode put their differences aside and appeared together at the Surquillo police station in Miraflores to file a complaint against the son of a landlord they say harassed and assaulted their daughter Gamile Odé and her roommates.
The former couple told reporters that Gamile and a group of young women of the same age had rented an apartment together and signed a tenancy agreement. According to Zanetti, the landlord has refused to hand over a copy of the signed contract and has also refused to return a deposit of more than 4,000 soles that the women paid upfront.
Zanetti, a radio host and comic actress, said the girls endured repeated harassment and verbal insults from the landlord’s son, who also allegedly forced doors open and allowed people of doubtful character into the building. The situation became bad enough that the young women vacated the property just two months after moving in, a decision Zanetti said she had encouraged for the sake of their peace of mind.
The confrontation that prompted the police visit happened on Friday, July 31. When Gamile and her friends returned to the property to recover belongings promised under the contract and to demand the return of their deposit, the landlord’s son confronted them. A male friend who had accompanied the group to offer support was headbutted and had his nose broken.
Zanetti said she was broadcasting her radio program when her daughter called her in tears, sounding desperate. She said she left the show unfinished and immediately went to Gamile. On the way she contacted Ode, her husband, and other relatives, all of whom joined her to confront the man.
When the group arrived, the alleged aggressor did not appear himself but sent others in his place, including his mother and young daughters. Zanetti said she felt sympathy for the older woman and for the children being drawn into the dispute, but described the man as a coward for targeting young women who were just starting out in life.
Farid Ode Speaks Out
Businessman Farid Ode also addressed reporters at the station, saying both parents had put their differences aside to stand by their daughter. He said three young women were being wronged simply because one man refused to return their deposit, and that the attack on their friend had been unprovoked.
Ode said he had confronted the man personally and found him arrogant. He said the alleged aggressor, who is 50 years old, had taken advantage of the women because of their youth and gender. He described his daughter as a gentle, sensitive young woman who would not harm anyone. Both parents said they are awaiting a forensic medical report on the young man who was injured.
