Jordan Karlesson
Ricky Martin could spend up to 50 years in prison in his homeland of Puerto Rico. Martin will fight for his freedom amid allegations made by his nephew.
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The charges included that the Martin forced incest, as well as physically and psychologically abusing the victim, Marca reported Thursday.
The media previously reported on domestic violence claims against Martin, but the identity was kept secret. The complainant recently became known after Eric Martin — one of the singer’s brothers — revealed it to be Dennis Yadiel Sanchez. Sanchez is the offspring of another one of Ricky Martin’s siblings.
Sanchez will answer questions before a judge when the trial begins on Thursday. Ricky Martin alleged his innocence in a tweet he posted on July 3, saying the allegations are false.
“I will respond through the judicial process with the facts and the dignity that characterize me,” he said. “Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot make detailed statements at this time. I am grateful for the countless messages of solidarity, and I receive them with all my heart.”
The singer allegedly abused his nephew during a relationship they supposedly had for seven months. Puerto Rico’s laws include harsher penalties for incest, which is why the potential amount of time Ricky Martin may spend in prison became apparent after the complainant lost his anonymity.
Marca reported that a source had told the media outlet that the alleged relationship between the singer and the now-21-year-old Sanchez ended two months ago.
Martin’s part in pop culture…
Martin secured fame with a massive Latin-music hit song Livin’ la Vida Loca. He earned his title as the “King of Latin Pop,” and the 50-year-old is openly gay.
Born in San Juan, the singer is also an activist in causes including LGBT rights and anti-human trafficking. He founded The Ricky Martin Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses specifically on the dangers and existence of human trafficking.
The singer’s latest album, an EP called Play, came out Wednesday through Sony Music Latin. His latest full-length, 2020’s Pausa, won Best Pop Vocal Album at the Latin Grammy Awards.
