In a high-profile trial, former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales asserted that he had Jenni Hermoso's consent before kissing her during the 2023 Women's World Cup final. He characterized the kiss as a spontaneous act of affection celebrated in the moment, despite Hermoso's testimony claiming otherwise.
Rubiales Claims Consent in Court Over Hermoso Kiss
Rubiales Claims Consent in Court Over Hermoso Kiss
Luis Rubiales insists Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso consented to his kiss at the Women's World Cup final, as he faces sexual assault charges.
Rubiales, aged 47, is on trial for sexual assault and alleged coercion following the incident that garnered worldwide attention and sparked widespread backlash, leading to calls for his resignation. Testifying in Madrid's National Court, Rubiales stated, “I kissed her because she was a champion,” and maintained that Hermoso had embraced him prior.
The controversy erupted during the medal ceremony after Spain's victory, which led to protests and demands for accountability. Rubiales emphasized his long-term acquaintance with Hermoso, suggesting that the moment called for such affection. "She pressed me very hard by the waist, and I asked her if I could kiss her," he recounted.
Under questioning concerning the specifics of his request for a kiss, he expressed uncertainty but maintained that it was indeed a gesture of affection and warranted by the occasion. Prosecutor Marta Durantiez challenged him, seeking clarity on whether his request implied a specific type of kiss, to which Rubiales responded cryptically about synonyms.
A lip-reading expert corroborated Rubiales' claim, suggesting he asked Hermoso for permission to kiss, yet admitted that her response was not visible in the video analyzed. In contrast, Hermoso's testimony highlighted her disapproval of the kiss, which she stated tarnished an otherwise joyous day and insisted was against her will.
Subsequent to the incident, Hermoso revealed she was pressured to publicly minimize the occurrence and received threats, compelling her to relocate her family to safety. Rubiales has acknowledged his conduct was inappropriate yet maintains that no criminal offense occurred and describes the media response as exaggerated.
The case has become emblematic of a broader movement against sexism in sports in Spain. Following the incident, Rubiales resigned in September 2023 due to growing public pressure and an investigation by both FIFA and Spanish authorities.
In addition to Rubiales, three former colleagues face charges of collusion aimed at coercing Hermoso into compliance regarding her narrative of the kiss. Prosecutors are advocating for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales. The trial is expected to conclude by February 19, 2024, continuing to draw significant media attention.
The controversy erupted during the medal ceremony after Spain's victory, which led to protests and demands for accountability. Rubiales emphasized his long-term acquaintance with Hermoso, suggesting that the moment called for such affection. "She pressed me very hard by the waist, and I asked her if I could kiss her," he recounted.
Under questioning concerning the specifics of his request for a kiss, he expressed uncertainty but maintained that it was indeed a gesture of affection and warranted by the occasion. Prosecutor Marta Durantiez challenged him, seeking clarity on whether his request implied a specific type of kiss, to which Rubiales responded cryptically about synonyms.
A lip-reading expert corroborated Rubiales' claim, suggesting he asked Hermoso for permission to kiss, yet admitted that her response was not visible in the video analyzed. In contrast, Hermoso's testimony highlighted her disapproval of the kiss, which she stated tarnished an otherwise joyous day and insisted was against her will.
Subsequent to the incident, Hermoso revealed she was pressured to publicly minimize the occurrence and received threats, compelling her to relocate her family to safety. Rubiales has acknowledged his conduct was inappropriate yet maintains that no criminal offense occurred and describes the media response as exaggerated.
The case has become emblematic of a broader movement against sexism in sports in Spain. Following the incident, Rubiales resigned in September 2023 due to growing public pressure and an investigation by both FIFA and Spanish authorities.
In addition to Rubiales, three former colleagues face charges of collusion aimed at coercing Hermoso into compliance regarding her narrative of the kiss. Prosecutors are advocating for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales. The trial is expected to conclude by February 19, 2024, continuing to draw significant media attention.
