“It has been so painful.”
This story contains discussion of domestic abuse.
Ricky Martin’s nephew has withdrawn his harassment claims in court, leading the case to be dismissed.
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For context, earlier this month, a judge issued a restraining order against the singer under Puerto Rico’s domestic violence law. It wasn’t clear who initially requested the order, but reports that the petitioner “feared for their safety” after the end of a seven-month relationship with Ricky hit the media.
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Then, this weekend, Ricky’s brother identified the petitioner as his nephew. “Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew,” Ricky’s lawyer said in a statement to Variety at the time.
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“The idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting. We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs.”
Earlier today, Ricky appeared virtually in court. His lawyers subsequently issued a statement that read, “Just as we had anticipated, the temporary protection order was not extended by the Court.”
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“The accuser confirmed to the court that his decision to dismiss the matter was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure, and the accuser confirmed he was satisfied with his legal representation in the matter.”
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The statement concluded, “The request came from the accuser asking to dismiss the case. This was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to substantiate them. We are glad that our client saw justice done and can now move forward with his life and his career.”
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In a video obtained by TMZ, Ricky himself added, “For two weeks, I was not allowed to defend myself because I was following a procedure where the law obligated me not to talk until I was in front of a judge.”
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“It has been so painful. It has been devastating for me, for my family, for my friends. I don’t wish this upon anybody,” he continued, thanking online support. “My priority is to heal. How do I heal? With music. I cannot wait to be back on stage, I cannot wait to be back in front of cameras and entertain.”
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Ricky is currently being sued for $3 million by his ex-manager for unpaid “substantial commissions.” The court documents refer to an alleged “potentially career-ending allegation” that Ricky was threatened with in September 2020. She has requested a trial by jury.
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If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website.
Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/natashajokic1/ricky-martin-nephew-court-dismissed