Luis Rubiales, the former head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), faced a court in Madrid, asserting that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent for the kiss during the medal ceremony of the Women's World Cup in 2023. Describing the moment as "spontaneous" and an "act of affection," Rubiales claimed he and Hermoso shared a mutual embrace, culminating in the kiss that led to his current legal troubles.
Rubiales testified that he kissed Hermoso, who he described as a champion, and asked her if he could do so, to which she reportedly responded positively. He suggested that in the excitement of the event, the kiss was just a natural gesture of gratitude. However, Hermoso's testimony starkly contrasts this claim; she insisted that she did not give her permission for the kiss and that it overshadowed one of her most joyous moments.
As the trial proceeds, statements from expert witnesses, including a lip reader, have added complexity to the case, with differing interpretations about the nature of their interactions being presented. With protests erupting in response to the incident, the focus has shifted towards calling out sexism in sports, fueled by Hermoso's story and the broader implications. Rubiales resigned from his post following widespread backlash, and the case continues to attract media attention, highlighting growing movements against inappropriate behavior in sports settings.
The court case is expected to continue until February 19, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales and several former colleagues also facing charges in connection with allegations of coercion related to the incident.
Rubiales testified that he kissed Hermoso, who he described as a champion, and asked her if he could do so, to which she reportedly responded positively. He suggested that in the excitement of the event, the kiss was just a natural gesture of gratitude. However, Hermoso's testimony starkly contrasts this claim; she insisted that she did not give her permission for the kiss and that it overshadowed one of her most joyous moments.
As the trial proceeds, statements from expert witnesses, including a lip reader, have added complexity to the case, with differing interpretations about the nature of their interactions being presented. With protests erupting in response to the incident, the focus has shifted towards calling out sexism in sports, fueled by Hermoso's story and the broader implications. Rubiales resigned from his post following widespread backlash, and the case continues to attract media attention, highlighting growing movements against inappropriate behavior in sports settings.
The court case is expected to continue until February 19, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales and several former colleagues also facing charges in connection with allegations of coercion related to the incident.
