Jenni Hermoso Testifies in Rubiales Trial, Calls Kiss 'A Stain on My Happiest Day'
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Synopsis
Jenni Hermoso, the top scorer for Spain's women's national team, testified in the trial against Luis Rubiales, stating that his kiss after the World Cup victory tarnished her happiest day. She described feeling disrespected and coerced during the incident.
Key Takeaways
- Jenni Hermoso was the first witness in the Rubiales trial.
- Rubiales kissed Hermoso during the World Cup awards ceremony.
- Hermoso stated the incident stained her happiest day.
- Rubiales faces sexual assault charges.
- FIFA banned Rubiales for three years following the incident.
Madrid, Feb 3 (NationPress) The leading goal scorer of the Spanish women's national team, Jenni Hermoso, was the first to take the stand in the trial against former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), Luis Rubiales. Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony after Spain's victory in the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup held in Sydney on August 20. He also carried fellow player Athenea del Castillo on his shoulder during the celebrations. Hermoso expressed that this incident ‘stained the happiest day of her life.’
Rubiales faces allegations of sexual assault and attempting to pressure Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual, which he has denied.
“I felt it was completely inappropriate and soon realized my boss was kissing me; this should never occur in any social or professional setting,” Hermoso stated in court on the trial's opening day.
“As a woman, I felt disrespected. It was a moment that tainted one of the happiest days of my life. It is vital for me to express that I never invited or anticipated that act,” she continued.
Rubiales has been suspended from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee for violating Article 13 of their disciplinary code. Following intense backlash regarding the unwanted kiss, the 46-year-old resigned as president of the Spanish soccer federation and as vice president of UEFA.
Hermoso further revealed that she was coerced during the incident, saying she was ‘grabbed by the ears.’
“I didn’t hear or comprehend anything. The next thing he did was grab me by the ears and kiss me on the lips. A kiss on the lips is only given when I choose to,” Hermoso added.
