Testimony reveals the emotional impact and legal ramifications of an alleged unwanted kiss during a historic moment in football.
Luis Rubiales Faces Trial Over Controversial World Cup Kiss
Luis Rubiales Faces Trial Over Controversial World Cup Kiss
Witness Jenni Hermoso Describes Incident as a 'Stain' on Victory
In an unprecedented trial in Madrid, former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales faces allegations of sexual assault and coercion stemming from his controversial kiss with player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 World Cup celebrations. Hermoso, who took the stand as the first witness, expressed her feelings about the incident, stating it "stained one of the happiest days of my life."
The incident took place after Spain's national team secured victory in Australia, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips without her consent while players were receiving their medals. In her testimony, Hermoso emphasized that "my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting." She also clarified that she had never given permission for the kiss, recalling how Rubiales forcibly grabbed her by the ears before the unexpected contact occurred.
Hermoso articulated her stance on consent, asserting, "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so." The legal proceedings are serious, as prosecutors seek a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales on the sexual assault charge and an additional year-and-a-half for coercion, citing his efforts to pressure Hermoso into publicly labeling the encounter as consensual. Rubiales has consistently refuted these accusations, asserting that the kiss was mutual and criticizing what he described as a "witch-hunt" orchestrated by "fake feminism."
In addition to Rubiales, three former colleagues from the football federation, including coach Jorge Vilda and marketing head Rubén Rivera, also face trial under similar charges for allegedly coercing Hermoso. All defendants maintain their innocence as the trial unfolds, which is expected to run until February 19.
As the case develops, it has ignited widespread discussions about workplace conduct and the boundaries of consent, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative surrounding women's rights in sports.
The incident took place after Spain's national team secured victory in Australia, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips without her consent while players were receiving their medals. In her testimony, Hermoso emphasized that "my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting." She also clarified that she had never given permission for the kiss, recalling how Rubiales forcibly grabbed her by the ears before the unexpected contact occurred.
Hermoso articulated her stance on consent, asserting, "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so." The legal proceedings are serious, as prosecutors seek a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales on the sexual assault charge and an additional year-and-a-half for coercion, citing his efforts to pressure Hermoso into publicly labeling the encounter as consensual. Rubiales has consistently refuted these accusations, asserting that the kiss was mutual and criticizing what he described as a "witch-hunt" orchestrated by "fake feminism."
In addition to Rubiales, three former colleagues from the football federation, including coach Jorge Vilda and marketing head Rubén Rivera, also face trial under similar charges for allegedly coercing Hermoso. All defendants maintain their innocence as the trial unfolds, which is expected to run until February 19.
As the case develops, it has ignited widespread discussions about workplace conduct and the boundaries of consent, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative surrounding women's rights in sports.
