In court proceedings in Madrid, Spanish football stars Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Laia Codina spoke in support of their fellow teammate, Jenni Hermoso, who has accused Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, of sexual assault and coercion. The incident occurred during the medal ceremony of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Rubiales allegedly kissed Hermoso without her consent.
World Cup Kiss Incident: Testimonies Reveal Emotional Toll on Player
World Cup Kiss Incident: Testimonies Reveal Emotional Toll on Player
Testimonies from teammates at the trial of Luis Rubiales shed light on the emotional struggles faced by Jenni Hermoso following an alleged non-consensual kiss.
Paredes described the atmosphere following the event as tense, with Hermoso expressing feelings of overwhelm and sadness, contrary to what should have been a moment of celebration. Putellas shared that Hermoso cried from exhaustion on the return flight, illustrating the emotional weight she carried after the incident. Testimonies revealed that Rubiales had allegedly attempted to persuade Hermoso to publicly downplay the kiss, citing potential professional consequences for her if she did not comply.
As the court remains in session, Rubiales is facing multiple charges, with prosecutors seeking a one-year prison sentence for sexual assault and a year-and-a-half for alleged coercion. He maintains his innocence. The trial continues to unfold, drawing attention to the serious matter of consent and the pressures faced by athletes in the wake of public spotlight incidents.
As the court remains in session, Rubiales is facing multiple charges, with prosecutors seeking a one-year prison sentence for sexual assault and a year-and-a-half for alleged coercion. He maintains his innocence. The trial continues to unfold, drawing attention to the serious matter of consent and the pressures faced by athletes in the wake of public spotlight incidents.
