José Castelo Branco, a Portuguese-American (and also Mozambican by birth) television personality and reality TV star, whose personal life, particularly his relationship with his much older wife, Betty Grafstein, has consistently drawn significant media attention, including in Mozambique.
- Betty Grafstein’s Accusations: Just recently, on June 30, 2025, Betty Grafstein reportedly broke her silence and made strong accusations against Castelo Branco. She stated, “I was scared, I was trapped in a trap,” and claimed he had “punched my head so many times.” She expressed regret for staying with him for so long and accused him of physical and psychological mistreatment. This statement has reignited intense media coverage.
- Ongoing Legal Case: The accusations stem from a formal complaint made by Betty Grafstein in 2024, leading to Castelo Branco being accused by the Public Ministry (MP) of domestic violence. The MP’s indictment states that he “acted with the concrete purpose of mistreating Betty Grafstein, assaulting her body and psychic health” and that he “always acted freely, voluntarily and consciously.” Allegations include him hitting Betty, squeezing her neck, and leaving her in fear for her life. Betty Grafstein was hospitalized in April 2024 after a fall and later moved to New York for medical care.
- Impact on Castelo Branco: There are reports and discussions about how José Castelo Branco is managing his life and finances without Betty Grafstein and with less TV presence, as he is currently in Portugal due to the legal proceedings while she is in the US.
- Social Media Presence: He remains active on TikTok, where he continues to post videos, some of which reference his lawyers and the ongoing case with Betty Grafstein. His social media following reportedly increased significantly following the initial accusations against him.
- Past Incidents Resurfacing: The current controversy is also bringing up his past legal troubles, including previous convictions for assault, defamation, and even shoplifting, highlighting a pattern of incidents with the courts over the years.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Who is José Castelo Branco? He was born in Tete, Portuguese Mozambique, and later moved to Lisbon. He became known in Portuguese nightlife and media for his flamboyant personality, often adopting an alter-ego. He has a background as an art dealer and has appeared on reality TV. His mother was a native Mozambican, and his brother, Sérgio Vieira, is a prominent Mozambican politician and poet, giving him strong ties to Mozambique.
- His High-Profile Relationship: The “high-profile relationship” refers to his marriage to Betty Grafstein, an American widow and diamond heiress, who is significantly older than him (born Elizabeth Larner). Their relationship, spanning decades, has been a constant subject of public fascination due to their age difference, Castelo Branco’s flamboyant style, and their often-publicized life together, including living between Sintra (Portugal) and New York. Recently, the relationship has been marred by very public disputes and legal issues, with accusations of elder abuse made against Castelo Branco by Grafstein’s family and even by Grafstein herself. This has led to a major legal and media saga, particularly in Portugal.
- Public Appearances Dominating Headlines: His public appearances are newsworthy precisely because of his controversial persona and the ongoing drama surrounding his marriage. He is known for being unreserved, often speaking his mind, and engaging in flamboyant behavior. The recent accusations of elder abuse have magnified this, making every public statement or appearance he makes a potential headline. The “international saga” mentioned in one search result, referring to his legal troubles and estrangement from his wife, suggests a continuous stream of newsworthy events surrounding him.
Why in Mozambique? His Mozambican heritage (being born in Tete and having prominent family ties, like his brother Sérgio Vieira, a Mozambican politician) makes him a figure of interest in the country. While much of the recent controversy has played out in Portuguese media due to the location of the legal proceedings, his background ensures that his life and controversies resonate and are reported on in Mozambican headlines, perhaps even more so given the familial connections and his birthplace.
