Report claims Ricky Martin could face up to 50 years for charges brought by his step-nephew, 21.
*note: this article will be updated. At the current time of writing, Martin or his representatives have yet to offer a statement on the latest allegations. Given the severity of the claims, as ever, we encourage exercising caution with regard claims that have yet to be either confirmed or denied, including any claims in this article*
Earlier this month it was revealed that a domestic violence-related restraining order had been filed against singer Ricky Martin.
Martin offered comment the following day, in a tweet vehemently denying the “completely false” claims, with representatives for the singer also denying the charges.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 4, 2022
Martin did not make any further direct statements, instead continuing to promote his album on social media.
Representatives for singer told PEOPLE shortly after, “The allegations against Ricky Martin that lead to a protection order are completely false and fabricated,” adding, “We are very confident that when the true facts come out in this matter our client Ricky Martin will be fully vindicated.”
In the original report, no details about the claimant were made public as their identity was protected by Law 54, known as the Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act.
However an unsubstantiated rumour immediately began circling around social media spaces, suggesting the person who filed the report was Martin’s younger step-nephew.
Today (July 15) Ricky has been trending on social media following reports that his brother, Eric Martin, confirmed the identity of the claimant as being 21-year-old Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, according to outlet Marca.
Sanchez is reportedly the son of Martin’s stepsister, per Latin Post.
According to the claimant, Ricky Martin exercised physical and psychological attacks on him in a relationship they had for seven months. Under Puerto Rican law, there are harsher penalties for certain sexual crimes when the alleged victim is related to the accused, but it is unclear exactly what charges Martin is facing, if any at all.
According to Marca the penalty Martin faces, if convicted, could be more severe if the allegations that his step-nephew is the petitioner are true.
Marca reports that Puerto Rico’s laws with regard to incest can carry a sentence of up to 50 years.
The trial begins on July 21.
Story will be updated.