The tragic and sudden passing of Michu (María Rodríguez Gamaza) on July 7, 2025, has sparked a bitter and deeply emotional battle over the custody of her 7‑ to 8‑year‑old daughter Rocío. This dispute pits Michu’s grieving family — led by her mother Inmaculada Gamaza (“Inma”) and sister Tamara — against the paternal side, notably flamenco icon Ortega Cano and his daughter Gloria Camila. The conflict, amplified across multiple Telecinco programs, now centers on a heart‑wrenching, urgent plea from Michu’s mother for justice, recognition, and primary custody of her granddaughter, challenging the intentions and involvement of the Ortega Cano clan.

 The Death of Michu and Immediate Aftermath (≈ 150–200 words)

Michu, 33, tragically passed away from cardiac complications rooted in a congenital heart defect—she had endured multiple surgeries and was awaiting a pacemaker replacement when the fatal event occurred onJuly 7, 2025Her death sent shockwaves through both families, especially as she left behind her young daughter Rocío, who discovered her mother had collapsed and sought help from neighbors

In the immediate wake, Ortega Cano, Gloria Camila, José Fernando (Michu’s ex-partner and father of Rocío), and Rocío Flores traveled to Arcos de la Frontera for the funeral and support  The Ortega Cano family asserted that Michu had expressed in her will that she wanted her daughter to be under the custody of her paternal grandfather, Ortega Cano

Gloria Camila’s Emotional Commitment (≈ 150–200 words)

On the television program Fiesta, Gloria Camila expressed deep sorrow over Michu’s passing. Despite past disagreements, she stressed they had recently reconciled for the sake of Rocío and described a growing bond between them. She tearfully shared that losing her sister-in-law was “shocking”, and highlighted the emotional trauma of growing up motherless—an experience she hopes her niece Rocío does not endure

Gloria Camila insisted that she had always been present in Rocío’s life, speaking with her regularly and feeling a strong emotional connection. She rejected public criticisms of her, calling them false and dismissive of her actual involvement . In Cádiz, she spent time with Rocío, stating that she’ll do “whatever is necessary for her niece’s well‑being”

 The Maternal Family’s Backlash (≈ 200 words)

On July 18, 2025, Michu’s mother Inma appeared on ¡De Viernes! in tears, recounting the anguish of losing her daughter and announcing her intent to legally pursue custody of Rocío. She accused Gloria Camila of showing up at the funeral “for appearances” and claimed that the relationship between her and her granddaughter had always been superficial

Her daughter Tamara—Michu’s sister—joined in, delivering fierce condemnation of Gloria Camila, even threatening legal action for defamation. Tamara declared, “Gloria Camila is a liar and shameless,” and emphasized that she had legal guardianship from birth, pledging to tell the truth in memory of her sister

Supporting them, Gema Aldón—a family ally—accused the Ortega Cano faction of hypocrisy, asserting that they have historically neglected Michu and are now exploiting the tragedy for television exposure

Inma, in particular, expressed fierce determination to keep the niece in her maternal environment, where “she feels safe” and where she has lived her entire life

The Escalating Public Conflict (≈ 200 words)

The dispute quickly unfolded in the public sphere via Telecinco shows—TardeAR, Fiesta, and ¡De Viernes!—becoming a media spectacle. Gloria Camila, visibly overwhelmed, publicly expressed being wounded by claims that she is manipulative or self-serving  She declared intentions to let lawyers handle the conflict and emphasized that the well-being of Rocío should be handled through judicial processes, not TV shows

On TardeAR, Gloria disclosed that José Fernando had asked Michu’s family to “stop talking” publicly about the matter, pointing to his frustration and inability—as a legally restricted parent—to fully manage decisions due to ongoing incapacity .

Despite Gloria’s attempts to downplay the media clash, the conflict deepened. The maternal side pushed on, pressing for legal action, while the paternal side asserted that Michu’s will favored their involvement in the child’s upbringing  Gloria struck back, questioning the motivations behind media appearances and reaffirmed that no one would come before the parents in terms of responsibility

Inma’s Urgent Plea (≈ 200 words)

In her first televised appearance, Inma made a raw, unfiltered appeal: “My granddaughter will stay with me… Rocío will remain in the home where she’s lived and feels safe.” Her voice cracking, she referenced Rocío’s anguished exclamation at the wake—“My mother is dead!”—painting a vivid, emotional backdrop to her message .

She accused the Ortega Cano side of abandoning the child in her moment of greatest need. “They didn’t wait an hour to leave,” she recounted, vowing to reveal hidden truths in her daughter’s name

Inma’s tone was clear and resolute: this is not a fight for fame, but a battle for the custody and emotional security of her only granddaughter. Her plea resonates with urgency, grief, and maternal resolve—and demands both respect for Michu’s memory and a legal decision grounded in the child’s best interests.

Legal Battle & Media Turmoil (≈ 150–200 words)

The legal dimension is now inevitable. With Rocío’s father, José Fernando, incapacitated and under treatment, custody decisions may rest on judges and child protection authorities. Gloria Camila and Ortega Cano are clearly preparing for a legal fight, while Michu’s mother and sister are already vocal in seeking guardianship

Media scrutiny intensifies every day. Telecinco’s platforms are both battlegrounds and amplifiers: every statement, emotion, and accusation fuels public sentiment and complicates an already fragile situation.

The cruelty of the moment lies in how a child is caught in the crossfire of grief, media attention, and family conflict. Forensics, legalities, and psychological assessments may define the path forward—but the human heart of the matter remains: where will Rocío find love, stability, and healing?

Conclusion (≈ 100 words)

The pleadings of Michu’s mother, Inma Gamaza, represent a mother’s fierce love for her granddaughter and a pressing appeal to justice amid tragedy. Her words are not just emotional—they underline a legal and moral contention: who will raise Rocío rooted in familiarity, safety, and genuine affection?

Meanwhile, the Ortega Cano family asserts their own bond and claims. The ongoing media spectacle may recede, but the courtroom and a child’s future await. Whether out of duty, obligation, or real care, the outcome will define not just custody, but legacies, memory, and the heartache and hopes left behind in Michu’s absence.