Mexican pop singer Thalia thanked members of the public for their “support and prayers” after her two sisters were kidnapped in Mexico City. The statement released by her publicist was the first public comment by the singer and soap opera actress since her sisters were kidnapped Sept. 22. One sister was released Oct. 10, while the other was freed on Saturday.
“First of all and most importantly, I would like to thank God,” the statement said. “I would also like to thank everyone for their support and prayers throughout this extremely difficult ordeal. On behalf of my family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Sisters Ernestina Sodi, co-author of a book about Mexico’s presidential residence, and Laura Zapata, an actress, were kidnapped after leaving a play. Zapata, who starred in the play, was released Oct. 10.
The family hired a private team to negotiate with the kidnappers, and asked police to stay out of the case. It was unclear if a ransom was paid. No arrests have been made.
In a telephone call to Televisa news anchor Joaquin Lopez Doriga late Monday, Zapata said Thalia’s husband, Sony Music Chairman Tommy Mottola, did not help resolve the case. “Everything was a family matter,” she said.
Kidnappings are common in Mexico but many go unreported, partly because family members fear police may be involved or the victim could be killed during a botched rescue attempt.Copyright 2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.