Any mention of the name Michael Marin Rivera usually brings to mind the memory of Jenni Rivera, the multi-talented pop star and mother of four who died in a plane crash in 2012. Jenni’s oldest son, Michael Marin Rivera, inherited her artistic side and is a talented artist. Meet him!
Who Is Michael Rivera?
Michael Marin Rivera is popularly known as the son of the legendary American Singer Jenni Rivera. He was born on September 11, 1991, in Long Beach, California, to Jenni and Jose Trinidad Marin.
Although Michael was named Trinidad Angelo Marin Rivera at birth, he decided to change his first name to Michael in his search to create an identity for himself. While Michael doesn’t yet have a family, he was once in a well-reported relationship with one Drea Ibarra, with whom he has a daughter named Luna Amira Marin Ibarra.
It is believed Michael embarked on creating an identity and legacy for himself because the story of the Rivera family is a sore one. For one, his Father, Jose Trinidad Marin, was sentenced to 31 years to life in prison for sexually abusing his daughters, Chiquis and Jacquie Rivera.
He was also charged with abusing his sister-in-law, a woman known as Rosie, while she was still young. For all of Rivera’s children, Jose’s name is not welcome around them. His memory brings bitterness to them, especially to Michael.
However, despite Michael’s search for a different lifestyle, his first headlines were also linked to his arrest for petty vandalism in Florida in 2013. But he was released on a $1,000 bond. It is also believed that Michael has been involved in several brushes against the law even while Jenni was still alive.
Before his arrest for petty vandalism, Micheal was reportedly charged with molestation in 2010, where he pleaded guilty to sex with a minor. However, he was 19 years old while the girl was 16. Michael has not let this deter him, having successfully reinvented himself.
Michael Rivera’s Journey to Fame
Michael’s journey to adulthood was rough and patchy. Even more patchy was his career journey until he broke out on TV as a talented reality TV star. He made notable appearances on “The Riveras,” a reality TV show centered around the Rivera family.
The series showcased Jenni Rivera’s children as they pursued their aspirations and paid homage to their mother’s enduring legacy. The show, however, was discontinued on September 24, 2020.
Before his role on “The Riveras,” Michael gained recognition through appearances on two other family-based reality TV shows. He appeared in “I Love Jenni,” a series from 2011 to 2013, offering an intimate look into the Rivera family’s life. He also made an appearance on “The Real.”
Besides his role on screen, Michael is a well-known muralist. He preferred to be seen as an artist. Amongst many amazing murals, Michael painted, one of his notable ones is a beautiful portrait of his mother on the side of a building in North Long Beach, California. As a muralist, he specializes in painting on a grand scale.
Michael Rivera’s Family
Michael’s mother married Jose in 1984, but due to Jose’s continual physical and emotional abuse, Jenni filed for divorce. They divorced in 1992, after which Jenni received full custody of their children.
In 1997, Jenni’s younger sister Rosie bravely revealed that Jenni’s ex-husband, Marín, had sexually abused her and was now subjecting Chiquis to the same ordeal. Consequently, a molestation case was initiated in 1997.
Marín managed to evade capture for nine years until he was finally apprehended in April 2006. He was convicted of sexual assault and rape, receiving a severe sentence of over 31 years without parole. For Michael and his siblings, family is very important.
Despite their mother’s death, they have remained close and shared blissful relationships. Jenni’s kids still connect and support one another without losing their mother’s memories.
During the 10th anniversary of Jenni’s death, all her children shared tributes to her through their social media accounts. Her eldest daughter, Chiquis, posted a throwback photo of Jenni, while the youngest among them, Johnny, 21, also shared a picture carousel of Jenni.
“Amazing” is the one word that describes Michael Marin Rivera. Having experienced grief, he has learned to live beyond the suffering of his loving mother’s death and live on the right side of the law.