Ricky Martin has denied a family member's shocking allegations that he was in an incestuous relationship with his nephew for seven months.
The singer's attorney, Marty Singer, told Deadline in a statement yesterday that Martin never had "any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew."
"Unfortunately, the person who made this claim is struggling with profound mental health challenges. Ricky Martin, of course, has never been - and never would be - involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew. The idea is not only untrue, but disgusting. We all hope this man gets the help he urgently needs. But, above all, we expect this terrible case to be dismissed as soon as the judge looks at the facts", the statement said.
A domestic violence restraining order was filed against Martin in Puerto Rico earlier this month, but the name of the alleged victim has not been released. The musician's brother, Eric, allegedly claimed to Spanish media outlet Marca on Friday that Dennis Yadiel Sanchez - Martin's 21-year-old nephew - is the alleged victim. Martin's brother also claims that Ricky "physically and psychologically assaulted" Sanchez, with whom he was in a seven-month relationship.
Martin previously denied the allegations of domestic violence, calling them "completely false and fabricated".
"Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot make detailed statements at this time," he wrote in a statement on July 3. "I am grateful for the countless messages of solidarity and I take them wholeheartedly."
A hearing on the domestic violence charges is set for July 21 in Puerto Rico. Under Puerto Rico law, Martin could face up to 50 years in prison for incest if the charges are found to be true.
Martin is currently facing another lawsuit from his manager, Rebecca Drucker, over $3 million in unpaid commissions. Drucker claimed in the lawsuit that she helped Martin with a "potentially career-ending claim" in September 2020, but did not elaborate on the incident.
