Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales headed to the Supreme Court in Madrid (Friday) to face interrogation after a lawsuit was filed against him accusing him of sexual assault for kissing player Jenny Hermoso on the lips without her desire.
The incident during Spain’s Women’s World Cup crowning ceremony in Sydney on August 20 sparked anger in Spanish society and sports circles, and led to protests similar to the “Me Too” movement.
Lewis resigned from his position after major protests in his country (AP)
Rubiales, 46, insisted the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso said it was forced.
Rubiales arrived at the court, accompanied by lawyer Olga Tobau, 50 minutes before the hearing, which took place behind closed doors, and did not speak to the media after his exit.
After weeks of resisting demands from players, politicians, and feminist groups for his resignation as president of the Spanish Federation, Rubiales finally relented and left his position on September 10th.
Rubiales the moment he entered the court (AP)
But he did not back down from his position, and stressed that his action was compatible in a moment of celebration and happiness.
Despite his appearance before the court, female players, some of them from the squad that won the last World Cup, announced a boycott of the national team until there were changes in the federation’s management.
Rubiales’ appearance in court is related to a complaint from the country’s Attorney General, Marta Durantez Gil, after Hermoso told prosecutors that Rubiales kissed her in Qom without her desire after holding her head in his hands. The Attorney General added a possible crime of coercion after Hermoso said that she and her relatives were subjected to pressure from Rubiales and those around him to announce Her consent to what happened.
2023-09-16 20:22:18
#Rubiales #appears #Spanish #court #investigate #Hermoso #Kiss
