Topline
A temporary restraining order against singer Ricky Martin was dismissed Thursday in Puerto Rican court, with Martin’s accuser—his nephew—dropping the complaints of harassment.
Ricky Martin attends amfAR Gala Cannes 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap … [+]
Key Facts
The nephew “voluntarily desisted” from continuing the protective order, which was put in place on July 1 and expired Thursday—a spokesperson for the court told NBC News.
Martin appeared in the hearing virtually, according to Variety; Forbes has reached out to representatives for Martin for comment.
The complaint against Martin was civil, and he was never charged with any crimes.
In a statement posted to Martin’s Twitter, lawyers for the singer wrote “the request came from the accuser asking to dismiss the case” and the accuser told the court the decision to do so “was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure.”
Martin captioned his post of the statement “truth prevails.”
Puerto Rican news outlet El Nuevo Día reported Wednesday Martin’s nephew told police he received two calls earlier this week threatening him if he were to appear in court, as reported by Insider.
Crucial Quote
“This was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to substantiate them,” Martin’s lawyers said.
Key Background
A restraining order was filed against Martin at the start of the month under Puerto Rico’s domestic violence law. The accuser, who was unnamed in the complaint in accordance with the law, claimed Martin loitered outside the accuser’s home and continued to call the accuser, with whom he allegedly had a seven-month-long relationship with. The relationship allegedly ended two months ago. The accuser was later revealed to be Martin’s 21-year-old nephew. Martin denied both the allegations of harassment and that he had ever had a relationship with his nephew. One of Martin’s lawyers, Martin Singer, said the idea that Martin was “involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew” is “not only untrue, it is disgusting.” Singer had said the nephew was “struggling with deep mental health challenges.”
Further Reading
Ricky Martin’s Restraining Order Allegations, Explained (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/07/21/restraining-order-against-ricky-martin-dropped-by-nephew/