Poncho De Nigris, a prominent Mexican personality known for his ventures as an entrepreneur, TV host, actor, and reality star, has lived much of his life in the public eye, including his romantic relationships. His journey through love has been marked by high-profile associations, a controversial broken engagement, and a lasting marriage, all unfolding under the scrutiny of the media.
Early in his career, following his participation in the reality show Big Brother VIP in 2003, Poncho De Nigris became entangled in rumors surrounding a supposed relationship with the legendary Mexican actress and singer, Irma Serrano, famously known as "La Tigresa." This alleged romance, which gained significant media attention during the 2000s, was often characterized by controversy and speculation that De Nigris was using Serrano for financial gain. However, De Nigris consistently denied any romantic involvement, stating he never even kissed her and would often invent excuses, like claiming to be gay, to avoid her advances. He eventually distanced himself from the situation, though the rumors persisted for some time.
His first publicly acknowledged relationship that led to fatherhood was with Lucy Garza, a Mexican model and presenter. While they were not formally a couple in a traditional sense, their connection resulted in the birth of his eldest daughter, Ivanna de Nigris, born on May 5, 2010. The relationship between Poncho and Lucy was complex, with De Nigris later clarifying that they were not a formal couple but rather had an agreement to have a child. For a significant period, Ivanna lived with her mother in the United States, leading to a strained relationship with her father. De Nigris has openly spoken about the challenges of co-parenting and the distance from Ivanna, attributing some of the separation to Lucy Garza's move to the U.S. and issues with her family. Recent discussions have highlighted ongoing tensions, particularly regarding Ivanna's quinceañera, with public disagreements between Poncho, Lucy, and even Poncho's mother, Leticia Guajardo, over the celebration and financial contributions.
Following his association with Irma Serrano and the birth of Ivanna, Poncho De Nigris entered a serious relationship with Czech model Lucie Vilimkova. They met on the set of the TV show TV de Noche, where Vilimkova worked as an edecán. Their connection was immediate, and despite De Nigris's modest earnings at the time, their relationship progressed rapidly. After just seven months of dating, they became engaged, planning a wedding for June 2009 in Monterrey. The couple even sold the exclusive rights to their wedding to a prominent entertainment magazine. However, just 15 days before the ceremony, De Nigris controversially called off the wedding. He later expressed regret for hurting Vilimkova, explaining his decision stemmed from a fear that if they had children and later divorced, she might take them back to the Czech Republic, making it difficult for him to see them. This abrupt cancellation led to public accusations from Vilimkova, who claimed De Nigris sold intimate photos of her to the magazine after the wedding fell through, to avoid paying a penalty clause in their exclusive contract. She denied his public claims that he canceled the wedding because she was a "teibolera" (table dancer), stating she felt betrayed and did not wish to see him again.
The most significant and enduring relationship in Poncho De Nigris's life began in February 2015 when he met Marcela Mistral. They co-hosted the show Poncho en Domingo on Multimedios, and their professional relationship quickly blossomed into a romantic one. De Nigris proposed to Mistral, and they were married in a televised ceremony on November 23, 2015, which aired two days later. Their wedding was a public event, solidifying their status as a prominent couple in Mexican entertainment. Marcela Mistral, who is 13 years younger than De Nigris, has become his steadfast partner and the mother of his three younger children: Alfonso "Ponchito" De Nigris, Isabella De Nigris, and Antonio "Toñito" De Nigris.
Their marriage has been a central part of their public image, with the couple often sharing aspects of their family life on social media and through reality shows like Secretos de Parejas and their YouTube series Keeping Up con los De Nigris. This openness has allowed fans to witness the dynamics of their relationship, including its challenges and joys. Marcela has been a vocal supporter of Poncho, particularly during his participation in La Casa de los Famosos México, where he reached the finals. Their public appearances often showcase a strong, united front, emphasizing their commitment to each other and their children. Despite the occasional public scrutiny and rumors that often accompany celebrity relationships, Poncho and Marcela have maintained a stable and visible partnership, navigating both personal and professional endeavors together. Their journey reflects a shift from earlier, more tumultuous romantic periods to a seemingly grounded and public family life.