Ricky Martin can ‘move forward with his life’ as restraining order dismissed
The 'Livin' La Vida Loca's nephew asked for the case to be dismissed.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Bravo
Ricky Martin “can move forward with his life and career” after a temporary restraining order against him was dropped on Thursday (21 July)
The ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ singer, 50, had the order filed against him earlier this month and on Monday (18 July) it was revealed to have been requested by the singer’s nephew, who accused Martin of sexual abuse. Martin said these were “false allegations”.
In a statement released on the singer’s Twitter account on Thursday his lawyers Joaquín Monserrate Matienzo, Carmelo Dávila, and Harry Massanet Pastrana said: “Just as we had anticipated, the temporary protection order was not extended by the Court.
“The accuser confirmed to the court that his decision to dismiss the matter was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure, and the accuser confirmed he was satisfied with his legal representation in the matter.”
Truth prevails.
Swipe right for English pic.twitter.com/4Q7UOHCi7e
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 21, 2022
It continued: “The request came from the accuser asking to dismiss the case. This was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to substantiate them. We are glad that our client saw justice done and can now move forward with his life and his career.”
In the tweet containing the statement, Martin simply said: “Truth prevails”.
In a Spanish statement, his lawyers also said: “There were a lot of sensational headlines on this matter that simply did not correspond in any way with the facts”
The restraining order was served in Puerto Rico on 1 July and was filed under Puerto Rico’s domestic violence law. The petitioner remained anonymous.
It was reported that Martin had been in a seven-month relationship with the petitioner which ended around two months ago. Martin was said to have not accepted the separation and had been “loitering” outside the petitioner’s home.
In a statement on 4 July Martin said: “The protection order entered against me is based on completely false allegations, so I will respond through the judicial process with the facts and the dignity that characterise me.”
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 4, 2022
The Spanish paper, Marca, then reported that Martin’s brother Eric had revealed the petitioner’s identity as Martin’s 21-year-old nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez.
His lawyers told Variety: “Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.
“The idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting. We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs. But, most of all, we look forward to this awful case being dismissed as soon as a judge gets to look at the facts.”
People magazine also reported earlier this month that Martin faces other legal troubles.
The singer is being sued for more than $3 million by his former manager Rebecca Drucker, who alleges she helped Martin when he was threatened with a “potentially career-ending allegation,” after an incident in September 2020.
Drucker managed Martin between 2014 and 2018 and again between 2020 and 2022.
Ricky Martin is set to perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl this Friday and Saturday.
The Attitude July/August issue is out now.