Truth behind the Mexican model’s cannibalism accusations

On the evening of August 3, 2009, young model Gabriela Rico Jimenez stunned onlookers with an unexpected outburst outside a luxury hotel in Monterrey, Mexico. The model accused members of the global elite of a shocking crime – cannibalism – while behaving in a manner that seemed out of character. She claimed that at a party she attended, representatives of the elite had consumed human flesh.

“They ate a person. They ate a person. I was unaware. I wanted freedom,” the model cried out.

Shortly after her emotional outburst, Gabriela was taken away by police officers, and since then, she has not been seen. However, images from the incident continue to circulate on social media, fueling speculation about her fate. Some believe that the model was under the influence of powerful drugs and was subsequently admitted to a psychiatric hospital, while others consider her to be “missing.” None of these theories have been confirmed, and no new information about Gabriela has surfaced.

This raises the question: What is the cannibalism that Gabriela alleged? How realistic is the notion of humans consuming human flesh?

Cannibalism in History and Culture

This article explores cannibalism through the lens of research by renowned Australian anthropologist Shirley Lindenbaum. Historical evidence suggests that cannibalism has existed in various cultures for different reasons. In some societies, consuming the bodies of deceased relatives was believed to unite them with ancestral spirits. In others, cannibalism was practiced as an act of aggression against enemies during wartime. In certain cultures, it was seen as a way to punish evil spirits believed to inhabit the deceased.

Archaeological findings indicate that cannibalism was present in many civilizations throughout history. In the 20th century, anthropologists documented instances of cannibalism in regions such as Papua New Guinea, South America, and Africa.

Studies have also shown that cannibalism is not unique to humans; it has been observed in over 1,500 species of animals. The term anthropophagy, derived from the Greek word “anthropophagia” (meaning “man-eating”), is specifically used to describe human cannibalism.

Historical Accounts of Cannibalism

Cannibalism has been mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman texts, often describing mythical creatures in unexplored lands. For example, Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey (circa 800 BC) features a tribe of giant cannibals who destroyed ships. The historian Herodotus also wrote about cannibals living at the edges of the known world.

Real accounts of cannibalism emerged during the Middle Ages. Christopher Columbus reported encountering cannibalistic Caribs during his 1492 voyage to the Antilles, leading to the term “cannibal” being associated with this tribe. However, modern historians caution that Columbus may have exaggerated his claims for political and religious purposes, as depicting indigenous people as “savages” was sometimes used to justify European colonization.

Where Was Cannibalism Practiced?

Papua New Guinea: Anthropologist Francis Edgar Williams documented cannibalism among the Orokaiva tribe, known for their aggressive and warlike nature. The Keraki tribe also held celebratory feasts involving human flesh after victorious raids. In the 1960s, missionaries discouraged cannibalism, leading to its rapid decline.

South America: In 1550, German sailor Hans Staden wrote about his captivity by the Tupi Indians, documenting their cannibalistic practices. Among South American tribes, cannibalism was often part of funeral rites, believed to sever spiritual ties between the living and the dead.

Africa: Accounts of African cannibalism appear in 16th-century writings by merchants, explorers, and missionaries. However, modern Africans reject these claims, considering them stereotypes or political propaganda used to justify colonial control.

Does Cannibalism Still Exist Today?

Social media often circulates claims about cannibalistic tribes in remote areas. Indian travel blogger Dheraj Mina documented his visit to the Korowai tribe in Indonesia, historically known for cannibalism. According to a tribesman, the last instance of cannibalism occurred 16 years ago during inter-tribal conflicts, and the practice has since been abandoned.

Although historical evidence confirms that human cannibalism (anthropophagy) existed, modern influences and external contact have largely eradicated the practice, even though some tribes continue to live in primitive conditions.

The disappearance of Gabriela Rico Jimenez and her shocking claims about elite cannibalism remains shrouded in mystery. Her story and the broader questions surrounding cannibalism continue to provoke debate and speculation.