In a groundbreaking trial, former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales is accused of sexual assault and coercion over an unwanted kiss he gave player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 World Cup celebration.**
Trial of Luis Rubiales: Jenni Hermoso Describes World Cup Kiss as a Moment of Distress**
Trial of Luis Rubiales: Jenni Hermoso Describes World Cup Kiss as a Moment of Distress**
Ex-football chief Luis Rubiales faces trial for unwanted kiss, with player Jenni Hermoso speaking out on its impact.**
In a significant case that has garnered global attention, Jenni Hermoso, a prominent player on Spain's World Cup-winning team, testified against former football federation president Luis Rubiales, stating that the kiss he planted on her lips during their medal ceremony "stained one of the happiest days of my life." Rubiales is on trial in Madrid facing allegations of sexual assault and coercion following the controversial act that triggered widespread outrage and led to calls for his resignation.
Hermoso was the first witness to take the stand in what is anticipated to be a highly publicized trial. She recounted the incident, firmly asserting that she never consented to the kiss. Referring to Rubiales, she stated, "My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting." Her testimony painted a picture of confusion and violation, highlighting that she felt his action was unwarranted and intrusive. “I didn't hear or understand anything,” Hermoso said when recounting the moment, adding that the kiss was imposed upon her without her consent: "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so."
In response to the uproar, Rubiales has maintained his innocence, insisting that the kiss was consensual, and at one point labeled the backlash as a "witch-hunt" fueled by "fake feminism." Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for the charges of sexual assault and an additional year-and-a-half for coercion, contending that Rubiales sought to pressure Hermoso into publicly affirming that the kiss was mutually agreed upon.
Beyond Rubiales, three of his former colleagues, including Jorge Vilda—coach of the victorious team—face similar coercion charges, with all accused parties vehemently denying any wrongdoing. The trial is expected to continue until mid-February, with the case eliciting broader discussions around power dynamics, consent, and the intersection of sports and accountability in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The fallout from this case is not only rocking the Spanish football community but also reverberating across the globe as discussions on consent and workplace behavior intensify.
Hermoso was the first witness to take the stand in what is anticipated to be a highly publicized trial. She recounted the incident, firmly asserting that she never consented to the kiss. Referring to Rubiales, she stated, "My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting." Her testimony painted a picture of confusion and violation, highlighting that she felt his action was unwarranted and intrusive. “I didn't hear or understand anything,” Hermoso said when recounting the moment, adding that the kiss was imposed upon her without her consent: "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so."
In response to the uproar, Rubiales has maintained his innocence, insisting that the kiss was consensual, and at one point labeled the backlash as a "witch-hunt" fueled by "fake feminism." Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for the charges of sexual assault and an additional year-and-a-half for coercion, contending that Rubiales sought to pressure Hermoso into publicly affirming that the kiss was mutually agreed upon.
Beyond Rubiales, three of his former colleagues, including Jorge Vilda—coach of the victorious team—face similar coercion charges, with all accused parties vehemently denying any wrongdoing. The trial is expected to continue until mid-February, with the case eliciting broader discussions around power dynamics, consent, and the intersection of sports and accountability in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The fallout from this case is not only rocking the Spanish football community but also reverberating across the globe as discussions on consent and workplace behavior intensify.
