Testimony Reveals Impact of Controversial Kiss on Teammates

During the trial against former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales, teammates of Jenni Hermoso testified about her emotional state after he allegedly kissed her without consent, stating she felt "overwhelmed" and "sad." The testimony highlights the significant psychological impact of the incident and the pressure Hermoso reportedly faced to downplay it.

In the ongoing trial addressing the contentious kiss involving former football chief Luis Rubiales, teammates of Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso have provided poignant testimonies emphasizing the psychological ramifications of the incident. On Thursday in Madrid, Irene Paredes, Laia Codina, and Alexia Putellas supported Hermoso's claims of feeling "overwhelmed" following Rubiales' alleged sexual assault during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup medal ceremony in Australia, where he kissed her without consent.

Putellas recounted how Hermoso was visibly disturbed after the event, stating she was "crying from exhaustion" on the return flight to Spain. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests, ultimately leading to demands for Rubiales' resignation. Rubiales, however, maintains his innocence and asserts that the kiss was consensual.

Codina described Hermoso's demeanor during a celebratory gathering in Ibiza, noting that despite the occasion being meant for joy, Hermoso was "not enjoying herself" and expressed sadness about the situation. Additionally, Hermoso testified earlier that the kiss was uninvited, emphasizing her feeling of disrespect as a woman.

Further complicating the case, three associates of Rubiales—coach Jorge Vilda, former marketing head Rubén Rivera, and former sporting director Albert Luque—are also facing trial for allegedly conspiring to coerce Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual. Reports indicate that Vilda suggested to Hermoso's brother that she should reassure the public that the kiss was not problematic.

With prosecutors advocating for a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales for sexual assault and additional time for coercion, the trial continues to unfold, underlining the challenging environment female athletes sometimes face in professional sports. Hermoso previously expressed feeling "completely abandoned" by the football federation after the incident.