Former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, has taken the stand in a Madrid court, asserting that he received consent from Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso before kissing her during the medal presentation after Spain's Women’s World Cup victory in 2023. Rubiales, facing accusations of sexual assault and coercing Hermoso into affirming the kiss was consensual, described the incident as a "spontaneous act of affection" after a significant celebration.
Rubiales Insists World Cup Kiss Was Consensual in Court Testimony
Rubiales Insists World Cup Kiss Was Consensual in Court Testimony
In a high-profile trial, Luis Rubiales maintains that Jenni Hermoso consented to the controversial kiss during the Women's World Cup final, amidst allegations of sexual assault and coercion.
Testifying in court, Rubiales recounted the moments leading up to the kiss, claiming that Hermoso embraced him and consented to the kiss in a celebratory context. "I've known her for many years and I kissed her because she was a champion," he stated, emphasizing the significance of the moment. He denied any intent of wrongdoing and claimed that the media's fixation on the incident was unwarranted.
Hermoso previously testified that she did not give Rubiales permission for the kiss and expressed how the incident marred one of the happiest days of her life. She recollected being pressured for a public statement minimizing the incident shortly after it occurred. As the trial unfolds, Rubiales admitted to “making a mistake” but maintained that he acted within the bounds of normal celebratory conduct without criminal intent.
In a notable twist, the court was presented with expert testimonies, including a lip reader who claimed Rubiales asked Hermoso if he could kiss her, though her response was inconclusive. The trial is set to continue until February 19, 2024, with prosecutors seeking a 30-month jail term for Rubiales, amidst ongoing discussions regarding workplace conduct, consent, and the broader implications for sexism in sports.
Hermoso previously testified that she did not give Rubiales permission for the kiss and expressed how the incident marred one of the happiest days of her life. She recollected being pressured for a public statement minimizing the incident shortly after it occurred. As the trial unfolds, Rubiales admitted to “making a mistake” but maintained that he acted within the bounds of normal celebratory conduct without criminal intent.
In a notable twist, the court was presented with expert testimonies, including a lip reader who claimed Rubiales asked Hermoso if he could kiss her, though her response was inconclusive. The trial is set to continue until February 19, 2024, with prosecutors seeking a 30-month jail term for Rubiales, amidst ongoing discussions regarding workplace conduct, consent, and the broader implications for sexism in sports.
