Ricky Martin starts healing after ‘painful’ and ‘devastating’ abuse claims against him
The restraining order was dropped on Thursday (21 July) by Martin's nephew.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Bravo
Ricky Martin has said the last few weeks have been “painful” and “devastating” for him in regard to claims from his nephew that Martin had abused him.
At the beginning of July, it was reported the singer, 50, had been served with a temporary restraining order, which was later revealed to have been petitioned for by his nephew, who alleged he’d been abused during a seven-month relationship with Martin.
On Thursday (21 July) a judge decided not to extend the restraining order after the ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ singer’s 21-year-old nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez requested the case be dismissed.
In a video obtained by TMZ, Martin speaks directly to the camera explaining he wants to start “my healing process”.
“For two weeks I was not allowed to defend myself because I was following a procedure where the law obligated me not to talk until I was in front of a judge,” he continues.
“Thank God these claims were proven to be false but I’m going to tell you the truth. It has been so painful. It has been devastating for me, for my family, for my friends. I don’t wish this upon anybody.”
Of Sanchez, he says: “I wish him the best and I wish he finds the help so he can start a new life filled with love and truth and joy and he doesn’t hurt anyone else.”
He then says, “Now. My priority is to heal,” which he says he’ll be doing by performing gain and entertaining, which he adds is “what I do best.” He then thanks his friends and fans for their support saying, “You have no idea the strength you gave me.”
When it was first reported that he had been served a restraining order under the domestic violence law in Puerto Rico a short statement said it was based on “completely false allegations”.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 4, 2022
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.
The Spanish paper, Marca, then reported that Martin’s brother Eric had revealed the petitioner’s identity as Sanchez. Martin’s 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.”
In a statement released on Thursday Martin’s lawyers wrote: “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.”
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.