Betty Grafstein, a prominent British national who has resided in Portugal for decades, has accused her husband, Portuguese socialite José Castelo Branco, of subjecting her to years of physical and psychological abuse.
The 97-year-old businesswoman, linked to the jewellery trade, gave evidence by videolink from the United States in the trial at Cascais Court, where Castelo Branco is facing charges of aggravated domestic violence against her.
Describing their relationship, Grafstein told the court that it had been “very complicated and troubled”.
“It was always like that. It was always difficult from the beginning of the marriage,” she said.
Asked by the judge what she meant by “difficult”, Grafstein replied: “You never knew what was going to happen next.”
The judge also questioned her about the alleged physical assaults. “Oh my God, he assaulted me so many times. I was punched everywhere. It happened so many times and for so many years that I don’t know any more,” she said.
Grafstein also described alleged psychological abuse, including insults and pressure. “I never imagined my life would end up in court,” she told the judge.
Grafstein, a British-born businesswoman and former jewellery executive, with roots in New York, has been a prominent figure in international high society for decades. She became particularly well known in Portugal through her long relationship with Castelo Branco, one of the country's best-known socialites and television personalities.
The couple married in 1996, after meeting in New York, and spent much of their married life in Portugal. Their relationship drew considerable criticism from the public, as Grafstein was considerably older than Castelo Branco but, over the years, the pair became a familiar presence at society events, fashion gatherings, and on Portuguese reality television.
Their relationship was also frequently portrayed in the media as unconventional, with the flamboyant Castelo Branco developing a public persona centred on his love of fashion, crossdressing, and extravagance.
Behind that public image, however, Grafstein now alleges that the marriage was marked by years of abuse. Castelo Branco exercised his right to remain silent when proceedings began and has not admitted the allegations against him.
According to the prosecution, there are indications that Castelo Branco assaulted Grafstein “several times” over a period of years, both in the United States and Portugal.
The alleged assaults included punching, pushing, and strangulation, which prosecutors say caused her difficulty breathing.
The case centres in particular on an incident that allegedly took place between 18 and 19 April 2024 at a hotel in Estoril. Castelo Branco is accused of pushing Grafstein, who was then 95, causing her to fall.
She was subsequently admitted to CUF Cascais Hospital, where she remained for 45 days, from 20 April until 4 June 2024. According to the indictment, she suffered injuries to her forearm, bruising to her hip and leg, and a fractured pelvis.
The prosecution also alleges that, for at least two years, Castelo Branco prevented Grafstein from speaking to her son and subjected her to humiliating treatment.
The Public Prosecution Service alleges that Castelo Branco acted “with the purpose of mistreating Betty Grafstein”, physically and psychologically abusing her, insulting her and causing her fear.
The allegations have yet to be determined by the court.
Source: DM / JN
Photo credit: Jorge Carmona
