Spanish Footballer Testifies Against Former Chief in Kissing Case
Jenni Hermoso, a star player on Spain’s World Cup-winning team, delivered emotional testimony at the trial of former spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, describing a kiss he planted on her lips during the victory ceremony as a stain on one of the proudest days of her life.
Rubiales is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion stemming from the incident at the 2023 World Cup in Australia. Hermoso, the first witness in the trial held in Madrid, told the court that the kiss, which occurred during the medal ceremony, was inappropriate and unacceptable in any professional setting.
“My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting,” Hermoso stated, emphasizing the power imbalance inherent in the situation.
The incident sparked immediate outrage, leading to widespread protests and calls for Rubiales’ resignation. rubiales has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the kiss was consensual.
Spain’s World Cup Winner Recounts Non-consensual Kiss From Football Federation President
Jenni Hermoso, a star forward for Spain’s victorious women’s World Cup team, testified Monday about an unwanted kiss from then-Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales during the medal ceremony. Hermoso recounted the incident in detail, describing the kiss as non-consensual and leaving her feeling “wholly abandoned” by the federation.
Hermoso explained that after celebrating their win, Rubiales grabbed her by the ears and kissed her forcefully on the lips. “I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she said, emphasizing that a kiss on the lips should only be given with her consent. The footballer stated that no one inquired about her well-being after the incident.
Despite the shock, Hermoso continued to celebrate with her team, feeling pressure to maintain a positive facade. She noted that initially, some teammates made light of the incident, but defender Irene Paredes intervened, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
Hermoso revealed that shortly after the kiss, she was pressured by the federation to issue a statement downplaying the incident, a request she refused. She also described Rubiales asking her to record a video with him on the flight home to counter accusations of assault on social media, another request she declined.
The incident sparked outrage, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for Rubiales’ resignation. FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities for 90 days pending an investigation.
Spanish Football Chief on Trial for Kissing Player
Jenni Hermoso, a star player on Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team, testified Monday in the trial of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Rubiales is accused of sexually assaulting Hermoso by kissing her on the lips without consent after Spain’s victory in the World Cup final.
Hermoso told the court her life had been “on standby” since the incident and that she had received death threats,forcing her to leave Madrid with her family. She now plays club football in Mexico, as well as for Spain’s national team.
Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales on the sexual assault charge. They are also seeking a year-and-a-half sentence for coercion, alleging he pressured Hermoso into publicly stating the kiss was consensual.
Rubiales, 47, denies the charges.At the time of the incident, he claimed the kiss was consensual and denounced what he called a ”witch-hunt” by “fake feminism” before resigning from his position.
Three of rubiales’ former colleagues are also on trial, accused of coercing Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual: Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning team; Rubén Rivera, the federation’s former head of marketing; and Albert Luque, the former sporting director. All three deny the charges.
Spain’s Equality Minister Ana Redondo praised Hermoso’s “bravery” on social media shortly before the trial began. The trial is scheduled to conclude on february 19.
What charges is Luis Rubiales facing in the trial involving Jenni Hermoso?
Spanish Footballer Testifies Against Former Chief in Kissing Case
Jenni Hermoso, a star player on Spain’s World Cup-winning team, delivered emotional testimony at the trial of former spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, describing a kiss he planted on her lips during the victory ceremony as a stain on one of the proudest days of her life.
Rubiales is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion stemming from the incident at the 2023 World Cup in Australia. Hermoso, the first witness in the trial held in Madrid, told the court that the kiss, which occurred during the medal ceremony, was inappropriate and unacceptable in any professional setting.
“My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting,” Hermoso stated, emphasizing the power imbalance inherent in the situation.
The incident sparked immediate outrage, leading to widespread protests and calls for Rubiales’ resignation.rubiales has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the kiss was consensual.
Spain’s World Cup Winner Recounts Non-consensual Kiss From Football Federation President
Jenni Hermoso, a star forward for Spain’s victorious women’s World Cup team, testified Monday about an unwanted kiss from then-Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales during the medal ceremony. Hermoso recounted the incident in detail, describing the kiss as non-consensual and leaving her feeling “wholly abandoned” by the federation.
Hermoso explained that after celebrating their win, Rubiales grabbed her by the ears and kissed her forcefully on the lips. “I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she said, emphasizing that a kiss on the lips should only be given with her consent. The footballer stated that no one inquired about her well-being after the incident.
Despite the shock, Hermoso continued to celebrate with her team, feeling pressure to maintain a positive facade. She noted that initially, some teammates made light of the incident, but defender Irene Paredes intervened, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
Hermoso revealed that shortly after the kiss, she was pressured by the federation to issue a statement downplaying the incident, a request she refused. She also described Rubiales asking her to record a video with him on the flight home to counter accusations of assault on social media, another request she declined.
The incident sparked outrage,leading to widespread condemnation and calls for Rubiales’ resignation. FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities for 90 days pending an examination.
Spanish Football Chief on Trial for Kissing Player
Jenni Hermoso, a star player on Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team, testified Monday in the trial of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Rubiales is accused of sexually assaulting Hermoso by kissing her on the lips without consent after Spain’s victory in the World Cup final.
Hermoso told the court her life had been “on standby” since the incident and that she had received death threats,forcing her to leave Madrid with her family. She now plays club football in Mexico, as well as for Spain’s national team.
prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales on the sexual assault charge. Thay are also seeking a year-and-a-half sentence for coercion, alleging he pressured Hermoso into publicly stating the kiss was consensual.
Rubiales, 47, denies the charges.At the time of the incident, he claimed the kiss was consensual and denounced what he called a ”witch-hunt” by “fake feminism” before resigning from his position.
Three of rubiales’ former colleagues are also on trial, accused of coercing Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual: jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning team; Rubén Rivera, the federation’s former head of marketing; and Albert Luque, the former sporting director. All three deny the charges.
Spain’s Equality Minister Ana Redondo praised Hermoso’s “bravery” on social media shortly before the trial began. The trial is scheduled to conclude on febuary 19.
Q&A: The Rubiales Case
What is Luis Rubiales accused of?
Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion stemming from a non-consensual kiss he gave player Jenni Hermoso during the World Cup victory ceremony.
What is the significance of the trial?
This trial is a landmark case as it centers on the issue of consent and power imbalances in sports. It highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or status.
What are the potential consequences for Rubiales?
If convicted, Rubiales could face up to a year and a half in prison. He has already been provisionally suspended from all football-related activities by FIFA pending the outcome of the trial.
How has Hermoso’s life been impacted since the incident?
Hermoso has stated that her life has been ”on standby” since the incident,receiving death threats and being forced to relocate with her family.She continues to play football professionally, both for her club team in Mexico and for Spain’s national team.
The trial of Luis Rubiales is a stark reminder that consent is paramount and that those in positions of power must be held accountable for their actions.
