Socialite José Castelo Branco Attends Costume Party Amid Domestic Violence Trial
Branco, facing charges of domestic violence against his estranged wife, appeared at an upscale event with a person dressed as a dog.
Socialite José Castelo Branco, 63, attended a 1930s-themed costume party at the exclusive members-only club Maxime's this past weekend, reportedly arriving with an individual costumed as a "human dog" on a leash. The appearance comes as Branco is on trial in Portugal for alleged domestic violence against his estranged wife, 97-year-old diamond heiress Lady Betty Grafstein.
Witnesses described the scene at the party, which also drew guests like designer Stacey Bendet and Candace Bushnell, as "weird as f*ck." One guest reported that Branco greeted attendees with the leashed individual, who was fully costumed as a large white dog and kneeling on a dog bed. The individual's face was not visible, obscured by a mascot-like head.
Branco's trial for domestic violence began in June and resumed on September 22. On September 29, Grafstein testified via videolink from the United States, alleging to the court that Branco had assaulted her numerous times over the years. According to local reports, Grafstein testified that she was "punched everywhere" and that the abuse occurred "so many times and for so many years that I don’t know any more."
Previous reports indicate that Branco was arrested in April 2024 after Grafstein was hospitalized, claiming Branco had pushed her, causing her to fall. Grafstein reportedly spent 45 days in the hospital with injuries including bruising, a fractured pelvis, and forearm injuries. The alleged assaults also reportedly included punching, pushing, and strangulation.
Grafstein, who was married to Albert Grafstein of Grafstein Diamond Corp. in the 1960s, married Branco in 1996. The couple, known for their opulent lifestyle documented on social media, became the subject of a Vanity Fair profile detailing their relationship.
Branco has previously denied the allegations against him and has not admitted guilt in court. He stated that he cannot comment on the ongoing case but emphasized, "My silence is bold." He also noted his continued presence on the social scene, saying, "I am not hiding."
Divorce proceedings are also reportedly underway. Grafstein's lawyer stated that "In 2024, at the age of 95, her life was at risk... and the support of everyone around her, together with the assurance that José would never see her again, gave her the strength to put an end to the abuse."
Lawyers for Grafstein confirmed that divorce proceedings are scheduled for October 7. The trial against Branco is ongoing.