Ricky Martin has been accused of incest by his 21-year-old nephew and could face up to 50 years in prison if convicted, reports indicate.
The singer was hit with a restraining order stemming from a domestic violence incident in Puerto Rico earlier this month, however the victim’s identity had been withheld.
His brother, Eric Martin, has since identified the alleged victim as the singer’s nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, Spanish news outlet Marca reported.
Martin is accused of ‘exercising physical and psychological attacks’ on Sanchez during their seven month relationship, which ended about two months ago.
A representative for Martin, 50, previously called the abuse allegations ‘completely false and fabricated’ in a statement provided to People earlier this month.
The star is expected in Puerto Rican court on July 21 for his trial.
Martin’s accuser, believed to be Sanchez, filed a restraining order against the singer on July 1 under Puerto Rico’s domestic violence law.
The order prohibited Martin from contacting or calling the petitioner who allegedly ‘fears for his safety.’
According to the order – which was reviewed by El Vocero, a Puerto Rican newspaper – Martin and Sanchez broke up two months ago after dating for seven months. The 21-year-old is the son of Martin’s stepsister, The Latin Post reported.
Sanchez alleged Martin did not accept the separation and has been seen loitering near his house at least three times, according to the order which was reviewed by El Vocero, a Puerto Rican newspaper.
He also alleged Martin had been ‘consuming large amounts of alcohol and drugs.’
The singer’s attorneys have denied the allegations are reportedly preparing their defense against Sanchez.
Martin’s legal team told Marca the 21-year-old accuser had recently been denounced by a woman after he allegedly harassed her and ‘threatened to destroy her life.’
Sanchez also suffers from ‘mental problems,’ Eric Martin told The Latin Post, adding that he was ‘very sure that his young relative was not telling the truth’.
Martin’s camp has been contacted in an attempt to confirm the report.
The protective order was signed on July 1, after authorities visited Martin’s neighborhood in the north coastal town of Dorado to try to serve him, police spokesman Axel Valencia previously told The Associated Press.
Valencia noted that the person who filed for the restraining order did not contact police, which would have involved prosecutors determining if there was enough evidence to file charges. Rather the request went straight to the court.
Puerto Rican law takes allegations of incest very seriously. If the alleged romance between Martin and Sanchez is confirmed, the singer could face up to 50 years in prison for incest charges.
Martin addressed the accusations on Twitter on July 3, saying: ‘The protection order entered against me is based on completely false allegations, so I will respond through the judicial process with the facts and the dignity that characterize me. Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot make detailed statements at this time. I am grateful for the countless messages of solidarity, and I receive them with all my heart.’
He has not made any additional statements regarding the accusations.
Wow..guess the Nephew is needing a cash payout to silence his Uncle…If the kid’s got mental issues then why is the court taking this seriously and why didn’t he go to the police first? Something just doesn’t add up in this. Also, there’s that woman who said that the Nephew has made her life hell and harassed her with the threats to kill her. Something’s rotten in Denmark as they say…
I agree.
We knew Ricky he was gay. The fact that his lover is the son of an step-sister (no blood relation) does not make it “Incest”
At worst, it is just a different gay twist to the “uncle-niece” dirty family secret. Nothing new in many Southern States where people shag and procreate with their blood cousins.
Amazing how self destructive people can be.
I agree.