The ongoing trial reflects broader societal issues regarding consent, workplace harassment, and the accountability of sports executives, as Rubiales faces serious allegations from Hermoso amidst contrasting testimonies.
**Rubiales Claims Jenni Hermoso Consented to Controversial World Cup Kiss During Trial**
**Rubiales Claims Jenni Hermoso Consented to Controversial World Cup Kiss During Trial**
Luis Rubiales asserts in court that he had consent from Jenni Hermoso for the kiss after Spain's Women's World Cup win, igniting more discussions on consent and abuse of power in sports.
Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has taken the stand in a court trial asserting that footballer Jenni Hermoso consented to the kiss he planted on her lips during the Women’s World Cup final awards ceremony in 2023. While testifying before Spain's National Court in Madrid, Rubiales expressed his conviction, stating he is "absolutely sure" she consented to the kiss, which he characterized as a spontaneous display of affection.
The controversy ignited following Spain's victory over England in the finals, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso as part of the medal-giving ceremony. The act incited widespread protests and swift calls for his resignation amid allegations of sexual assault and coercion. He firmly denies these claims, asserting there was no criminal intent on his part.
Rubiales recounted the moment of the kiss during his court appearance, claiming Hermoso embraced him, prompting him to kiss her in celebration. "She pressed me very hard by the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss, and she said yes," he recounted, arguing that the kiss was a fitting action given the celebratory atmosphere. He further contended that he would have acted the same way with male players or even his daughters during family events, highlighting the personal nature of the interaction.
The prosecution presented arguments that challenge Rubiales's account of events. Jenni Hermoso, who provided evidence earlier in the trial, asserted that she did not give him permission to kiss her and described the incident as one that tainted her happiest moment. Hermoso characterized Rubiales's actions as inappropriate and indicative of a power imbalance, underscoring that consent must be clear and explicit.
A lip-reading expert, summoned by Rubiales’s defense team, revealed interpretations of the video footage that suggested he asked Hermoso if he could kiss her, but the validity of the response remained inconclusive. Meanwhile, Hermoso's legal representation has indicated that efforts were made to pressure her into minimizing the situation, which she adamantly rejected, leading to significant personal distress and threats that prompted her family to relocate for safety.
Rubiales has acknowledged that while his actions on the podium could be deemed a mistake, he maintains they fell short of criminality. He criticized the media frenzy surrounding the incident as excessive. However, the event has served as a catalyst for a broader movement addressing sexism and advocating for women's rights in sports within Spain.
As the trial progresses, the stakes remain high. Rubiales faces a potential two-and-a-half-year prison sentence if convicted, while three of his associates are also implicated in coercion attempts against Hermoso. Public sentiment is deeply divided, reflecting wider cultural debates over consent and accountability in patriarchal systems, especially in the realm of sports. The trial, which is expected to conclude by February 19, continues to generate intense media attention and public discourse.
The controversy ignited following Spain's victory over England in the finals, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso as part of the medal-giving ceremony. The act incited widespread protests and swift calls for his resignation amid allegations of sexual assault and coercion. He firmly denies these claims, asserting there was no criminal intent on his part.
Rubiales recounted the moment of the kiss during his court appearance, claiming Hermoso embraced him, prompting him to kiss her in celebration. "She pressed me very hard by the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss, and she said yes," he recounted, arguing that the kiss was a fitting action given the celebratory atmosphere. He further contended that he would have acted the same way with male players or even his daughters during family events, highlighting the personal nature of the interaction.
The prosecution presented arguments that challenge Rubiales's account of events. Jenni Hermoso, who provided evidence earlier in the trial, asserted that she did not give him permission to kiss her and described the incident as one that tainted her happiest moment. Hermoso characterized Rubiales's actions as inappropriate and indicative of a power imbalance, underscoring that consent must be clear and explicit.
A lip-reading expert, summoned by Rubiales’s defense team, revealed interpretations of the video footage that suggested he asked Hermoso if he could kiss her, but the validity of the response remained inconclusive. Meanwhile, Hermoso's legal representation has indicated that efforts were made to pressure her into minimizing the situation, which she adamantly rejected, leading to significant personal distress and threats that prompted her family to relocate for safety.
Rubiales has acknowledged that while his actions on the podium could be deemed a mistake, he maintains they fell short of criminality. He criticized the media frenzy surrounding the incident as excessive. However, the event has served as a catalyst for a broader movement addressing sexism and advocating for women's rights in sports within Spain.
As the trial progresses, the stakes remain high. Rubiales faces a potential two-and-a-half-year prison sentence if convicted, while three of his associates are also implicated in coercion attempts against Hermoso. Public sentiment is deeply divided, reflecting wider cultural debates over consent and accountability in patriarchal systems, especially in the realm of sports. The trial, which is expected to conclude by February 19, continues to generate intense media attention and public discourse.
