Luis Rubiales asserts that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso consented to his kiss during the Women's World Cup celebrations in 2023, a claim she vehemently denies, setting the stage for a high-profile trial.
Rubiales Claims Hermoso Gave Consent for Controversial Kiss
Rubiales Claims Hermoso Gave Consent for Controversial Kiss
Former RFEF President Defends Actions in Court Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
In a sensational court appearance, Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), testified that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso consented to a kiss he gave her following the Women's World Cup final in 2023. The incident, which occurred during the medal ceremony after Spain's historic victory in Australia, has sparked widespread outrage and protests, ultimately leading to Rubiales' suspension by FIFA and his resignation in September 2023.
Rubiales appeared at Spain's National Court in Madrid where he asserted, "I am absolutely sure" that Hermoso gave her approval for the kiss, which he described as "an act of affection" and claimed was spontaneous. The former football executive recounted how they were expressing gratitude to each other and how Hermoso had embraced him tightly, suggesting that he asked her for a kiss, to which she allegedly agreed.
"I took hold of her so as not to fall back," Rubiales explained, trying to portray his actions as innocent and well-intended. However, during her testimony, Hermoso expressed that she felt the kiss had "stained one of the happiest days of my life" and has vehemently denied giving any consent.
The court session included the revelation from a lip reading expert who testified that video footage showed Rubiales asking Hermoso, "Can I give you a kiss?" Rubiales, while acknowledging "a mistake" was made, maintained his innocence regarding any criminal wrongdoing and expressed awareness of the protocol against sexual harassment.
The trial, which is expected to continue until February 19, will also see three of Rubiales' former colleagues facing charges related to alleged coercion attempts against Hermoso, as all defendants maintain their innocence. Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales if convicted.
Rubiales appeared at Spain's National Court in Madrid where he asserted, "I am absolutely sure" that Hermoso gave her approval for the kiss, which he described as "an act of affection" and claimed was spontaneous. The former football executive recounted how they were expressing gratitude to each other and how Hermoso had embraced him tightly, suggesting that he asked her for a kiss, to which she allegedly agreed.
"I took hold of her so as not to fall back," Rubiales explained, trying to portray his actions as innocent and well-intended. However, during her testimony, Hermoso expressed that she felt the kiss had "stained one of the happiest days of my life" and has vehemently denied giving any consent.
The court session included the revelation from a lip reading expert who testified that video footage showed Rubiales asking Hermoso, "Can I give you a kiss?" Rubiales, while acknowledging "a mistake" was made, maintained his innocence regarding any criminal wrongdoing and expressed awareness of the protocol against sexual harassment.
The trial, which is expected to continue until February 19, will also see three of Rubiales' former colleagues facing charges related to alleged coercion attempts against Hermoso, as all defendants maintain their innocence. Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales if convicted.
