Marcella Novela

Marcella Novela, an art adviser, curator, and former Miami Beach commissioner candidate, was arrested alongside her husband, Ricardo Dunin, on domestic violence charges. The high-profile couple’s violent altercation at their Flamingo Drive home resulted in both facing misdemeanor battery charges. While the couple downplayed the incident as a “misunderstanding,” police reports detailed disturbing claims of physical assault. Novela, who had recently lost her bid for the Group VI commissioner seat, now finds herself entangled in a legal battle that threatens her public image and professional reputation.

Lawsuits and Legal Actions

1. Domestic Violence Arrest and Charges
   • Incident Details:
     • On Wednesday morning, Miami Beach police responded to a domestic disturbance at the couple’s residence.
     • Upon arrival, officers found Dunin in the pool with some of his belongings, while Novela sat on the pool’s edge.
     • According to Novela, Dunin allegedly grabbed her by the throat, pushed her into a dresser, and then threw her onto the bed.
     • Novela admitted to punching Dunin in the face in self-defense.
     • Dunin claimed he fled to the pool deck “in fear for his safety” and alleged that Novela pushed him into the pool.
   • Physical Evidence:
     • Novela: Red mark on her neck.
     • Dunin: Small cut on his right temple.
   • Alcohol Involvement:
     • Police noted a strong odor of alcohol on Novela’s breath and body.
     • She admitted to drinking until 3 a.m. prior to the incident.
   • Legal Charges:
     • Both Novela and Dunin were charged with misdemeanor battery.
     • Their arraignment hearings were scheduled for mid-December.
2. Public Statement and Defense
   • Following the incident, Dunin downplayed the altercation, stating via text message that they viewed the episode as a “big misunderstanding blown out of proportion.”
   • He confirmed that they were traveling together despite the charges, attempting to portray a united front.

Complaints and Allegations

1. Physical Assault and Battery
   • Novela’s Allegations:
     • Claimed Dunin attacked her in the bedroom by grabbing her neck and shoving her into furniture.
     • Stated she struck him in self-defense.
   • Dunin’s Counterclaim:
     • Alleged that Novela pushed him into the pool.
     • Claimed he fled the house out of fear for his safety.
   • Police Report Findings:
     • Both had visible injuries.
     • Police noted Novela’s intoxication at the time of the incident, potentially weakening her claims of self-defense.
2. Campaign Controversies
   • Prior to her arrest, Novela ran an unsuccessful campaign for Miami Beach Group VI commissioner, losing to Joe Magazine.
   • During her campaign, she faced criticism for accepting contributions from real estate developers and brokers, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
   • Major donors to her campaign included:
     • Douglas Elliman Florida CEO Jay Parker
     • Developer Mikael Hamaoui
     • Michael Simkins, a controversial figure in Miami real estate
     • David Grutman
     • Fortune International Group
     • Edgardo and Ana Cristina Defortuna, major figures in luxury real estate development.

Conclusion

Marcella Novela’s arrest for domestic violence alongside her husband, Ricardo Dunin, has cast a shadow over her public and professional image. While the couple insists the incident was a misunderstanding, the police report paints a different picture, detailing physical violence, intoxication, and conflicting accusations. Novela’s legal troubles come on the heels of her failed political campaign, where she already faced scrutiny for her ties to real estate donors. This latest scandal could further damage her credibility, hinder future political aspirations, and stain her reputation as an art curator and public figure.