Ricky Martin attends amfAR Gala Cannes 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France.at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Ricky Martin had a relationship with his nephew, according to Marca, a Spanish news organization.
In court documents, Martin’s nephew says he was physically and mentally abusive, which Martin denies.
A court date is set for July 21 and Martin could face up to 50 years in prison if found guilty.
Ricky Martin’s nephew has filed a domestic violence restraining order against the Puerto Rican singer, saying Martin was physically and psychologically abusive during their 7-month-long romantic relationship.
American Songwriter reported that Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, 21, said that upon ending the relationship, his uncle, Martin, did not take it well and continued to contact him and loiter outside of his home.
On July 2, Sanchez went to police to obtain a temporary restraining order that was granted, according to the magazine.
El Vocero, a Puerto Rican newspaper, reported the order was signed by Judge Raiza Cajigas Campbell, who summoned the parties to a hearing in the municipal courtroom of the San Juan Court later this month.
The next day, Martin tweeted the protection order against him was “based on completely false allegations” and that because it was an ongoing legal matter, he cannot comment further.
According to Marca, a Spanish news organization, the nephew’s name had previously been protected under Law 54, the Puerto Rico Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act. Marca reported that Eric Martin, one’s of the singer’s brothers, identified Sanchez. He is reportedly the son of Martin’s half-sister, Vanessa.
Marty Singer, an attorney for Martin, denied the claims. In a statement to People, he said, “unfortunately, the person who made this claim is struggling with deep mental health challenges. Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.”
A court date is set for July 21. Incest is considered a felony, punishable by up to 50 years in prison.
Martin is also caught up in a legal battle with Rebecca Drucker, his former talent manager. Drucker is suing him for more than $3 million in unpaid commissions, according to documents filed in Los Angeles Central District Court.
Martin’s legal team did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment