Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has taken the stand in his trial regarding the controversial kiss he shared with footballer Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Facing charges of sexual assault and coercion, Rubiales asserted that the kiss was a spontaneous expression of affection and that he had Hermoso’s consent.
Rubiales Claims Girl Consent in Court Over Controversial World Cup Kiss
Rubiales Claims Girl Consent in Court Over Controversial World Cup Kiss
Luis Rubiales insists he had consent from Jenni Hermoso as trial escalates over the contentious kiss during the Women's World Cup final.
The incident, which occurred during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory, caused a significant uproar, prompting demands for Rubiales' resignation. In his testimony to the Madrid court, he declared, “I’m absolutely sure” that Hermoso agreed to the kiss. Rubiales claimed the moment was celebratory, recounting how both shared an embrace after the successful match, and he described the kiss as a “tremendous moment” for the champion.
Though he couldn't recall the exact phrasing he used when asking for the kiss, Rubiales maintained that the context justified such an act, indicating he would behave similarly with male players or even family during celebrations. He emphasized that he was aware of protocols against sexual harassment but saw no violation in his actions.
Countering his narrative, Hermoso testified that she did not provide consent and described the incident as tarnishing one of her happiest moments. She expressed feelings of being pressured to publicly downplay the incident that she described as unprofessional, particularly given the dynamics of their working relationship.
Rubiales' defense has included testimony from a lip-reading expert who claimed that video evidence suggested he asked for permission to kiss Hermoso. However, the actual response from Hermoso remained unclear. Additionally, Hermoso described feeling overwhelmed and threatened in the hours following the incident, highlighting the psychological impact of the situation.
As the trial proceeds, significant media attention underscores the cultural reckoning underway regarding sexism in sports, amplified by the backlash against Rubiales' actions, which sparked a broader "Me Too"-style movement among women athletes in Spain. Following mounting pressure and FIFA’s suspension, Rubiales resigned in September 2023.
Prosecution is seeking a two-and-a-half-year sentence for Rubiales, while three of his former colleagues are implicated in intimidating Hermoso into agreement with Rubiales’ narrative. The ongoing trial is set to conclude on 19th February, and serves as a critical moment for discussions of consent and professional conduct in sports.
Though he couldn't recall the exact phrasing he used when asking for the kiss, Rubiales maintained that the context justified such an act, indicating he would behave similarly with male players or even family during celebrations. He emphasized that he was aware of protocols against sexual harassment but saw no violation in his actions.
Countering his narrative, Hermoso testified that she did not provide consent and described the incident as tarnishing one of her happiest moments. She expressed feelings of being pressured to publicly downplay the incident that she described as unprofessional, particularly given the dynamics of their working relationship.
Rubiales' defense has included testimony from a lip-reading expert who claimed that video evidence suggested he asked for permission to kiss Hermoso. However, the actual response from Hermoso remained unclear. Additionally, Hermoso described feeling overwhelmed and threatened in the hours following the incident, highlighting the psychological impact of the situation.
As the trial proceeds, significant media attention underscores the cultural reckoning underway regarding sexism in sports, amplified by the backlash against Rubiales' actions, which sparked a broader "Me Too"-style movement among women athletes in Spain. Following mounting pressure and FIFA’s suspension, Rubiales resigned in September 2023.
Prosecution is seeking a two-and-a-half-year sentence for Rubiales, while three of his former colleagues are implicated in intimidating Hermoso into agreement with Rubiales’ narrative. The ongoing trial is set to conclude on 19th February, and serves as a critical moment for discussions of consent and professional conduct in sports.
