Teammates Testify on Emotional Impact of World Cup Kiss Incident

In a Madrid court, teammates of Jenni Hermoso have described her emotional distress following the controversial kiss from Luis Rubiales during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup medal ceremony. The testimony highlights the ongoing struggle with the implications of the incident as Rubiales faces serious charges.

In a courtroom in Madrid, teammates of Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso provided emotional testimony regarding her distress following an alleged non-consensual kiss from former football chief Luis Rubiales during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup medal ceremony.

Footballers Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Laia Codina testified on Thursday, emphasizing the deep impact the incident had on Hermoso's emotional well-being. Putellas relayed that Hermoso felt "overwhelmed" post-incident, while Codina expressed concern for her teammate, stating Hermoso was "sad" and "not enjoying herself."

Rubiales, who has denied any wrongdoing, kissed Hermoso on the lips during the celebratory event in Australia, igniting widespread protests and demands for his resignation. Hermoso previously testified in court that she had not consented to the kiss and felt "disrespected" as a woman.

Putellas noted that she initially perceived the kiss as a harmless misunderstanding, but her perspective shifted after Hermoso shared video evidence of the incident. According to Paredes, during their journey back to Spain, she had to remind teammates to stop making light of the situation, labeling it "serious."

Putellas further revealed that Hermoso broke down in tears on the team plane due to exhaustion and frustration. She recounted how Rubiales pressured Hermoso to state that the kiss was consensual, which angered Hermoso and made her feel cornered.

Codina described Hermoso's demeanor during a celebratory visit to Ibiza, noting the contrast between the joy one would expect after a World Cup victory and Hermoso's subdued state.

Three individuals associated with Rubiales are also on trial, facing accusations of complicity in coercing Hermoso. Among them is Jorge Vilda, coach of the Spanish team, who allegedly suggested to Hermoso's brother that Hermoso should publicly downplay the kiss, warning of potential repercussions if she did not comply.

In her previous testimony, Hermoso recounted the event in which Rubiales had grabbed her and kissed her without her consent, asserting that the experience left her feeling utterly abandoned by the football federation.

Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales for sexual assault, alongside a year and a half for coercion related to the alleged pressure on Hermoso. The trial is set to continue, as both sides prepare for further deliberations surrounding this controversial case.