Photo by Eva Rinaldi, from Flickr
Ricky Martin is currently facing allegations of domestic abuse toward his 21-year-old nephew Dennis Yadiel Sanchez.
Martin was hit with a domestic violence restraining order in Puerto Rico the beginning of July by Sanchez. His nephew claims he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse while in a seven-month relationship with Martin. Sanchez says he tried to end the relationship earlier this year, but Martin refused to accept and continued harassing Sanchez in the following months.
Despite these claims made by his nephew, Martin has vehemently denied everything his nephew has said. He is currently working with lawyer Marty Singer in order to protect his reputation and prove himself innocent.
“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 characterize me,” Martin wrote in a statement. “Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot make detailed statements at this time. I am grateful for the countless messages of solidarity, and I receive them with all my heart.”
A hearing has been set for July 21 in Puerto Rico to settle the claims. If Martin is charged with domestic abuse with a relative and found guilty, he could be looking at a 50-year prison sentence. Recent statements have been made by Martin’s lawyer, claiming the nephew suffers from mental health issues and thus, explains his actions of putting out a domestic violence restraining order on Martin.
“Unfortunately, the person who made this claim is struggling with deep mental health challenges,” Singer said in a statement. “Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be– involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.”
In addition to this current case, Martin is also being sued for $3 million by his former manager Rebecca Drucker. Drucker claims Martin has neglected to pay her commissions while she worked as his manager. She worked for the pop singer from 2014-2018.
