Ricky Martin stars on the covers of half the world. This time not because of a new milestone in his career, but because of a serious accusation that could end his completely. His nephew Dennis Yadiel Sánchez has accused the singer of being a victim of sexual abuse and domestic violence for seven months in which both had an incest relationship.
A complaint that could lead the Puerto Rican artist to enter prison and face a sentence of up to 50 years due to the drastic legal consequences that exist for investing in Puerto Rico. A few weeks ago the singer received a domestic violence restraining order. At that time the identity of the person was not revealed, but today it has been known that it is his nephew. According to the information Dennis Yadiel and Ricky Martin would have had an affair for seven months.
However, Dennis decided to end the relationship and according to his statement, the artist began to harass him outside his home after consuming large amounts of alcohol and drugs. And that is where the abuse would have started.
After suffering this situation, Ricky Martin's nephew decided to put a restraining order on him. If the alleged romance between the two is confirmed, the artist could face a sentence of up to 50 years in prison for incest, that is, for having sexual relations with relatives.
This is stated in Article 131 of the Penal Code of Puerto Rico: "Those persons who have a relationship of kinship, for being ascendant or descendant, by consanguinity, adoption or affinity, or collateral by consanguinity or adoption, up to the third degree, or by sharing or possessing physical custody or parental authority and who purposely, knowingly or recklessly perform a sexual act".
Many voices have been raised in favour of Ricky Martin. The first to do so, the artist's brother, Eric Martin, assures that Dennis suffers from "mental problems", so he could be lying, although this situation has not been confirmed so far. In addition, the young man has a harassment complaint against him.
Ricky Martin's lawyer's response
Ricky Martin and his nephew will face each other in a trial in Puerto Rico. The first hearing will be held on Thursday, July 21. The singer's lawyer has already launched the artist's defence and has responded to Dennis's accusations, calling them "false and disgusting", alleging his nephew's alleged mental health problems: "Ricky Martin, of course, has never been, and never will be, involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew," he says. "We all hope that this man receives the help he needs and that this terrible case is dismissed as soon as a judge examines the facts," they say from the American portal.
The artist has also wanted to express himself through an official statement on his social networks, completely denying the accusations. He has written it in English and Spanish and it he says: "The protection order filed against me is based on totally false allegations, so I will face the process with the responsibility that characterizes me."
In addition, Ricky Martin claims not to be able to say anything as it is an ongoing legal matter and appreciates the messages of support he has received from his fans: "I appreciate the countless shows of solidarity and I receive them with all my heart," he ditches on Twitter.