OK… this one is a lot to unpack right now!
A Spanish porn star named Nacho Vidal has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection to the 2019 death of photographer Jose Luis Abad. Vidal had been under investigation in the case for the past 11 months and was finally detained late last week alongside two others.
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Here’s where the story gets strange: Abad died during an alleged “mystical ritual” in which he smoked dehydrated venom from an endangered toad. Vidal was said to have presided as “shaman” over the ritual. Yeah, we’ll give y’all a minute to process all that…
The toad in question is the bufo alvarius, AKA the Colorado River toad, which can be found in Mexico and parts of the US. The toxin it secretes to ward off predators can be dehydrated into a hallucinogenic drug.
Specifically, the toxin contains the psychoactive compound 5-MeO-DMT, or DMT, which has been called the “God molecule” because of users reportedly having “God encounter experiences” after taking it. As reported by Rolling Stone, there have been limited studies on “therapeutic uses” for the drug, but potential harmful side effects include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and seizures.
Apparently, the porn star has been vocal about his DMT experiences in the past. He even posted a YouTube video advocating for its use, per Rolling Stone:
“In the video, he suggests that his encounters with the toad’s venom helped him overcome his addictions and reunite with his ‘spirit,’ helping him connect ‘with what matters, which is the earth and Mother Nature.'”
According to the BBC, investigators have found Vidal’s toad venom rituals were being held “regularly”, attended by people who were “easily influenced, vulnerable or who were seeking help for illnesses or addictions using alternative methods.”
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Vidal’s lawyer denied he was the shaman of the ritual and maintained that Abad’s death was “accidental.” He asserted Abad had “previously tried that substance and wanted to try it again.” He also said:
“With all due respect to the dead man and his family, Nacho maintains that the consumption [of the venom] was completely voluntary.”
This isn’t the first time the 46-year-old, who has appeared in more than 1,500 adult films, has been in trouble with the law. Rolling Stone reported:
“In 2012, he was arrested and charged with tax evasion and flight of capital in connection with an alleged money laundering ring orchestrated by the Chinese mob, though he maintained his innocence and was released on bail.”
Sounds like a very shady character, to say the least! Stay safe out there, everyone!
[Image via Robert Marquard/WENN & ABC15 Arizona]
The post Spanish Porn Star Arrested For Manslaughter After Psychedelic Toad Ritual Goes Wrong! …HUH??? appeared first on Perez Hilton.