PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — Vicki Gunvalson, the longtime star of The Real Housewives of Orange County, took to social media on Sunday to reassure fans that she is safe amid reports of escalating violence in Mexico's popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta.
In an Instagram Story posted on February 22, Gunvalson, 63, wrote, “Hi everyone,” accompanied by a white heart emoji. “I’m safe and not in Puerto Vallarta. Thank you so much for all the messages and concern. It truly means a lot.” She added a call for support, saying, “Please join me in keeping everyone affected in your prayers. Sending love and heartfelt thoughts to all who need them right now.”
The post came as news emerged of a significant military operation in Mexico that reportedly resulted in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the country's most violent drug trafficking organizations. According to Mexican authorities, the operation took place over the weekend, leading to heightened security measures in several regions, including the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued an urgent advisory on Sunday, urging American citizens in affected areas to “shelter in place until further notice” due to “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.” The alert specified locations including Puerto Vallarta, where tourists and residents alike were advised to avoid travel and remain indoors. Several flights to and from major Mexican airports, including those serving Puerto Vallarta, were canceled as a precaution, stranding thousands of travelers.
Gunvalson's connection to Puerto Vallarta dates back years, making her statement particularly timely for her followers. In 2020, amid the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she announced the purchase of her first condo in the city, describing it as a long-held dream. “Well I did it! After spending over 30 years in one of my favorite places in the world, I closed on my vacation/retirement house today,” she shared on Instagram at the time. She emphasized the personal significance, noting, “Other than being with my children, grandchildren and @stevelodge_oc, it’s one of my happiest and fondest memories and one of my parents favorite destinations.”
Acknowledging the global health crisis, Gunvalson addressed potential criticism in her post: “I know some of you may think it’s wrong, especially in the state of the world, but for me it immediately gives me hope and peace that things will resume to a new sense of normal soon.” She detailed her plans for the property, including donating bedding and furniture to a local orphanage and hiring painters and a decorator to personalize the space. “I’m going to be donating all the bedding and most of the furniture to an orphanage, and will be putting to work some painters and a decorator to make this home ‘Vicki,’” she wrote. Concluding defiantly, she said, “Thank you to all who support my decision as it wasn’t an easy one to go through with it. Those who don’t, keep your mean comments to yourself. #imhappy #puertovallarta #sunsets #kindpeople #peaceful.”
By later that year, Gunvalson expressed no regrets about the investment. In an Instagram video shared with People magazine, she reflected on her arrival at the property: “I took a leap of faith, I ended up closing on a condo last month and I got here last night. And I thought, you know what? This was what was meant to be.” She captioned the post, “Although I was apprehensive to go through with it, I have to tell you all it was one of my best decisions.”
Her affinity for Puerto Vallarta only grew. In 2022, Gunvalson revealed she had purchased a second condo in the area, sharing photos of a luxurious pool surrounded by palm trees and a stunning ocean sunset view. “My realtor just showed me the sunset and views from my newest condo,” she posted on Instagram. “I’m in escrow now and it will be built & ready in 20 months. #investmentproperty #puertovallarta #loveitthere #bossbabe #realestate.”
Two years later, in 2024, she returned to oversee final touches on the new property. Uploading images of the completed space, Gunvalson wrote, “Back in PV to put the condo back together!! I just love the way it turned out🤍 my home away from home ✨.” These posts painted a picture of Puerto Vallarta as a serene escape for the reality TV personality, a stark contrast to the current unrest.
“Hi everyone,” Gunvalson began her Instagram Story on Sunday, February 22, alongside a white heart emoji. “I’m safe and not in Puerto Vallarta. Thank you so much for all the messages and concern. It truly means a lot.”
Gunvalson continued, “Please join me in keeping everyone affected in your prayers. Sending love and heartfelt thoughts to all who need them right now.”
The violence tied to the cartel leader's death has raised alarms beyond celebrity circles. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known for its brutal tactics and control over drug routes from Mexico to the United States, has been a primary target of both Mexican and U.S. law enforcement for years. El Mencho, as Cervantes was commonly known, had a $10 million bounty on his head from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which described him as one of the world's most dangerous narcotics traffickers.
Mexican officials confirmed the operation's success but provided few details, citing ongoing investigations. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration has faced criticism for its handling of cartel violence, with over 100,000 homicides linked to organized crime since he took office in 2018, according to human rights groups. The embassy's shelter-in-place order echoes similar advisories issued in recent years during cartel clashes in tourist hotspots like Cancun and Los Cabos.
For Americans with property or vacation plans in Mexico, the events underscore the volatile security landscape. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for Jalisco state, where Puerto Vallarta is located, recommending that visitors reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping risks. Despite this, millions of U.S. tourists visit Mexico annually, contributing billions to the economy.
Gunvalson's message of prayer and love resonated with her audience, many of whom flooded her comments with relief and support. As a fixture on RHOC since its inception in 2006, she has often shared personal milestones, from family life to business ventures, building a loyal following. Her recent confirmation to return for Season 20 of the show keeps her in the spotlight, but this incident highlights how global events can intersect with celebrity narratives.
While Gunvalson is out of harm's way, the situation in Puerto Vallarta remains fluid. Mexican authorities have not lifted the security measures, and airlines like American and Delta have extended flight cancellations through at least Monday. Local businesses, including resorts and restaurants, reported temporary closures, impacting the city's vibrant tourism scene.
Experts on Latin American security, such as those from the Council on Foreign Relations, note that the death of a cartel leader like El Mencho could lead to power struggles and increased violence in the short term, even as it represents a blow to the organization's operations. “The elimination of high-level figures often disrupts but doesn't dismantle these networks,” said one analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic.
As the dust settles, Gunvalson's story serves as a reminder of the personal stakes for those with ties to the region. Her investments in Puerto Vallarta, born from decades of fond memories, now face an uncertain future amid Mexico's persistent challenges with organized crime. For now, she and her fans can take solace in her safety, while broader questions about travel and security in popular destinations linger.
The Appleton Times will continue to monitor developments in Mexico and their impact on American travelers and property owners.