In 1991, acclaimed actor and director Edward James Olmos set out to make a gritty drama about the rise of the notorious Mexican Mafia prison gang in California. But what was intended as a cautionary tale about gang life spiraled into a deadly chain of events that left numerous dead in its wake.
The Controversy Behind the Script
In the early 1990s, Danny Trejo was considering offers to appear in two films: “American Me,” directed by Edward James Olmos, and “Blood In, Blood Out” by Taylor Hackford.
Both films aimed to tell the story of the founding of the Mexican Mafia. The Mexican Mafia, also known as “Eme,” is a secretive and notorious gang known for its ruthless executions.
There were concerns about the “American Me” script taking offensive narrative liberties that upset real-world gang leaders, especially regarding prison rape and the Eme’s fraternal codes. The film also planned to explicitly use the term “Eme,” which was considered taboo.
Upon reading the script for “American Me,” Trejo immediately identified several inaccuracies. The film’s portrayal of Montoyo Santana, based on real-life Mexican Mafia member Rodolfo Cadena (aka Cheyenne), was particularly contentious.
The script included scenes that were not only fictional but also potentially damaging to the reputations of real-life individuals.
For instance, the film suggests that Santana’s mother was raped during the Zoot Suit Riots and that Santana himself was sexually assaulted in prison, both of which were untrue.
Trejo’s decision to prioritize “Blood In, Blood Out” over “American Me” was not just a career choice but also a matter of personal safety and integrity.
The Real Threat of La Eme
The Mexican Mafia, known as La Eme, is not just a gang but a powerful and deadly organization.
Trejo’s personal connections, including his uncle Gilbert’s deep ties with the gang’s shot-callers, gave him a unique perspective on the potential repercussions of misrepresenting the gang in film.
The very use of the name “La Eme” in the script was a red flag, suggesting a lack of understanding or respect for the real-life dangers associated with the gang.
Olmos’s Missteps
Edward James Olmos, despite his immense talent and dedication to his craft, seemed to underestimate the potential fallout from his portrayal of La Eme.
Danny Trejo described meeting with Olmos and screenwriter Eddie Bunker at Jerry’s Deli to warn Olmos about offending some very powerful people. But Olmos was set on his theatrical vision, failing to grasp the danger.
Olmos claim of having met with Joe “Peg Leg” Morgan, the head of the Mexican Mafia, and receiving his approval for the film was later refuted by Morgan himself.
This, coupled with Olmos’s decision to prioritize theatricality over truth, set the stage for significant backlash.
The Deadly Aftermath
After the movie came out, there was reportedly a price on Olmos’s head from the Mexican Mafia for glorifying them without permission and falsely depicting their leader’s life.
The consequences of “American Me” were tragically real. Rumors circulated that at least eight, possibly ten, individuals lost their lives due to their association with “American Me.”
Four of these deaths occurred outside, while four to six took place inside.
One of the victims was a Mexican Mafia member named Charlie Manriquez, who had lost his standing due to drug addiction. He appeared as an extra in a scene and serving as an informal “technical advisor.” Tragically, he was later shot in Ramona Gardens.
Another man faced a brutal fate, being shot seven times merely for appearing distantly in a scene where he was seated in a car.
Ana Lizarraga, a community gang liaison and the primary consultant for “American Me,” was brutally murdered outside her residence in front of her child.
Despite warnings against participating in the film, Lizarraga, like Olmos, falsely asserted that she had secured approval from Joe Morgan.
The film’s portrayal of the Mexican Mafia not only led to violence but also inadvertently glamorized the gang, potentially influencing young Chicanos to view joining La Eme as a desirable path.
Trejo’s Intervention
Danny Trejo’s deep connections within the prison system and his genuine concern for the safety of those involved in “American Me” put him in a unique position. He was approached by Joe Morgan, who wanted to discuss the film with Olmos.
But Olmos refused to meet with Trejo later when asked to intervene, likely thinking it was a setup.
Trejo lamented that sometimes “your ego and your ambition will tell you no, no I can get away with this.” But Hollywood failed to understand who they were dealing with, leading to the deadly consequences.
“American Me” serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when Hollywood narratives intersect with real-life events and figures.
While films have the power to shed light on dark corners of society, they also bear the responsibility of accurate representation, especially when dealing with subjects as volatile as gang culture.
Edward James Olmos’s ambition to tell a compelling story inadvertently ignited a firestorm of controversy and violence, underscoring the importance of understanding and respecting the real-world implications of cinematic storytelling.
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