- Drafting
- BBC News World
A court in Puerto Rico on Thursday dismissed accusations of domestic violence made against singer Ricky Martin by one of his relatives.
On July 1, the island’s justice had issued a protection order, after being requested by one of Martin’s nephews, who alleged that the two had had a romantic relationship for seven months and that the singer was harassing him. The artist denied the facts at all times.
The case was filed after the applicant decided to desist, according to a spokesperson for the Puerto Rico Courts Office.
“The case is over, the petitioner requested its voluntary dismissal,” the spokesman told BBC Mundo.
Protection orders – which are a civil process on the island – are confidential and are contained in its Domestic Violence Law.
Despite the fact that the details of the hearing held this Thursday in San Juan are private with the intention of protecting those who requested the order, the authorities and the spokespersons of the court have the power to confirm to the press whether the legal remedy continues or not. valid.
What is a protection order according to Puerto Rico law?
The protection order is established by a judge and prohibits a person from physically approaching or communicating with the petitioner, even through third parties or electronic means.
According to a written communication from the Puerto Rican authorities, Ricky Martin was not in court when the first protection order was granted. However, this is not a requirement for the judge to issue his ruling. It is only enough that, when listening to the testimony of the person requesting it, there is an indication or risk of abuse.
At the court hearing this Thursday, the interpreter of “Livin la Vida Loca” had the opportunity to offer his version via videoconference. However, his lawyers reported that the order was dismissed before Ricky Martin spoke.
What did Ricky Martin say?
Both the artist and his team of lawyers they have denied the facts from the beginning.
“The protection order filed against me is based on totally false allegations, so I will face the process with the responsibility that characterizes me,” said the artist on his social networks.
The singer said he would not offer statements because it is a legal issue.
His US attorney, Marty Singer, said in a statement to several US media that “Ricky Martin has never been -and never will be- involved in any sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.”
“The idea is not just false, it’s disgusting,” he added. “We all hope this man gets the help he so desperately needs. But most of all, we hope this horrific case gets dismissed by the judge quickly when looking at the facts.”
Meanwhile, his defense in Puerto Rico stated in a statement: “We are sure that when the true facts come to light in this matter, our client Ricky Martin will be fully vindicated.”
Now you can receive notifications from BBC World. Download the new version of our app and activate it so you don’t miss out on our best content.
We would love to thank the author of this article for this awesome web content
A court in Puerto Rico dismisses accusations of domestic violence made against Ricky Martin by a relative of the singer