Mango Heir Jonathan Andic Steps Down to Fight 'Grave and Unfounded' Accusation of Murdering His Father

The accusation

Jonathan Andic, the 45-year-old son of Mango founder Isak Andic, announced on Tuesday he is temporarily stepping down from his role as vice-chair of the Spanish fashion group after being formally named a suspect in his father's death. A Spanish court last week issued a writ stating there was sufficient evidence to suggest the death may not have been accidental and that Jonathan Andic 'played an active and premeditated role'. The judge's writ cited a deteriorated father-son relationship, Jonathan's alleged obsession with money, and WhatsApp messages expressing 'feelings of hatred, resentment and thoughts of death, and blaming his father for his situation'.

A public narrative has been constructed that is one-sided, taken out of context and distorted, and which has created a perception of guilt that bears no relation to reality. I know that dismantling it will require time, effort and intense dedication.

The fatal hike

Isak Andic, 71, died on 14 December 2024 after falling more than 100 metres from a cliff while hiking with his son in the Montserrat mountain range outside Barcelona. Jonathan Andic was the only other person present on the trail. The death was initially treated as an accident and the case was closed, but it was reopened months later and reclassified as a possible homicide, with the investigation focusing on the son. According to the forensic report cited in the judicial order, the fall occurred 'as if he had launched himself down a slide, feet first'.

The arrest and bail

Jonathan Andic was arrested on the morning of 19 May 2026 and spent several hours in custody before appearing before a judge. He was released after paying bail set at one million euros by the court in Martorell, near Barcelona. As precautionary measures, the judge ordered the withdrawal of his passport, a ban on leaving Spanish territory, and a requirement to report weekly to the court while the investigation continues.

The open letter

In his first public statement on the matter, published as an open letter on Tuesday, Jonathan Andic defended his innocence and described his situation as marked by 'pain, powerlessness and frustration'. He said he was stepping back from Mango to focus fully on his legal defence, though he would maintain ties to 'other family, business and social projects'. He also pushed back against the portrayal of his relationship with his father, insisting they shared many happy moments despite also facing difficult times.

I want to express, from the bottom of my heart, that I have loved and I love deeply my family and, in a very special way, my father. As in so many families, we have also gone through difficult and complex moments, which we have overcome with great effort, generosity and help.

The company and family response

Members of Mango's board issued a statement on Tuesday expressing their support for Jonathan Andic and their 'full confidence that the legal proceedings will be resolved favourably'. A family spokesperson stated that 'there is not and will not be found any incriminating evidence' against him and that the family is convinced of his 'absolute innocence'. Isak Andic was one of the richest people in Spain at the time of his death, with a fortune estimated by Forbes at $4.5 billion. Jonathan Andic had been named executive vice president of Mango's holding company in January 2025, around six weeks after his father's death.