Drama has emerged surrounding pop-star Ricky Martin and possible abuse allegations. Jasmine Joyan takes you through the facts.
In July 2022, singer Ricky Martin was given a restraining order in Puerto Rico after allegations of domestic violence against an alleged former partner. Under the Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act, Martin was served the order and was required to appear in court on 21 July 2022.
Whilst the applicant serving the order was initially unclear, Martin’s brother, Eric Martin, confirmed to Spanish newspaper Marca that the person seeking the order was Martin’s 21-year-old nephew. During this period, Puerto Rico newspaper El Vocero wrote that the order came from someone who Martin dated for seven months and broke up with around May. [1] Despite breaking up, Martin continued to loiter near the accuser’s house. The applicant “fear[ed] for his safety” and went straight to a judge for an order instead of filing a police report first. [2]
Both Martin and his representatives have spoken out, denying all allegations. His representatives have stressed that these allegations are “completely false and fabricated” and have been “confident…Ricky Martin will be fully vindicated”. [3] Martin also went to Twitter before the hearing reiterating that such claims are “completely false allegations” and will respond through the “judicial process with facts and the dignity that characterise” him. [4]
On 21 July 2022, Martin appeared in court virtually where the judge was to determine if the protective order would be extended. Martin’s nephew withdrew the claims including the claim of the incestuous affair, dismissing the case.
After the dismissal of the order, Martin’s legal representatives released the following statement:
“The accuser confirmed to the court that his decision to dismiss the matter was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure, and the accuser confirmed he was satisfied with his legal representation in the matter. This was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to substantiate them. We are glad that our client saw justice done and can now move forward with his life and career.” [5]
Despite this dismissal, Martin is still facing another lawsuit from his former manager in claims for $3 million owed for unpaid commissions. [6]
[1] https://www.thecut.com/2022/07/ricky-martin-allegations-everything-you-need-to-know.html
[2] https://variety.com/2022/music/news/ricky-martin-deny-abuse-nephew-response-1235318172/
[3] https://people.com/music/ricky-martin-denies-allegations-domestic-abuse-restraining-order-puerto-rico/
[4] https://twitter.com/ricky_martin/status/1543764013141614594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1543764013141614594%7Ctwgr%5E16a0bad794bd169f5e43efea8d26cd0eb249d384%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_ url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecut.com%2F2022%2F07%2Fricky-martin-allegations-everything-you-need-to-know.html
[5] https://www.thecut.com/2022/07/ricky-martin-allegations-everything-you-need-to-know.html
[6] https://www.tmz.com/2022/06/29/ricky-martin-sue-ex-manager-breach-contract/