In brief
At the trial of former Spain football chief Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso's teammates describe her emotional turmoil after an alleged forced kiss, reigniting discussions on consent and respect in sports.
In a dramatic courtroom scene in Madrid, Spanish football stars Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Laia Codina testified about the overwhelming emotions experienced by their teammate Jenni Hermoso following her alleged forced kiss by former football chief Luis Rubiales during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. The players supported Hermoso's claim that Rubiales' actions left her feeling disrespected and upset.Putellas noted how Hermoso felt "overwhelmed" and even cried due to exhaustion on the flight back to Spain. Paredes recounted a serious conversation on their bus ride, urging her teammates to stop joking about the incident, indicating its gravity. Hermoso previously stated in court that she never consented to the kiss and felt a profound sense of neglect from the football federation.The controversy escalated when Rubiales allegedly pressured Hermoso to deny any lack of consent about the kiss, threatening her with personal and professional repercussions. Amid ongoing protests and demands for accountability, prosecutors seek a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales on the grounds of sexual assault, while he maintains his innocence. The trial continues to draw attention against the backdrop of rising awareness surrounding issues of consent and women's rights in sports.
