Luis Rubiales tells court Jenni Hermoso consented to kiss
Luis Rubiales told the court that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso agreed before kissing her after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
The former president of the former Royal Football Federation of Spain (RFEF) is under trial and is charged with sexual assault and attempting to publicly impose Ms Hermoso publicly stated that the kiss was voluntary.
Mr Rubiales told Spain’s national court in Madrid that he was “absolutely sure” the player allowed the kiss, adding: “At that moment, it was completely spontaneous.”
The incident occurred at a medal ceremony after Spain’s World Cup victory in Australia, sparking protests and calling on Mr Rubias to resign. He denied any criminal wrongdoing.
“It was a huge moment for her. We thanked each other, she pressed me very hard on her waist, and then I asked her if she could give her a kiss and she said yes.”
He added: “I grabbed her so I wouldn’t fall.”
Mr Rubiales was asked in court whether he asked Ms. Hermoso to kiss or “small kiss”.
He replied, “I don’t remember for sure.” “But I think it was a little kiss.”
He was also asked if he knew the protocols against sexual harassment and violence, and he replied that he knew.
Ms Hermoso had previously told the court that she had never allowed to be kissed and the incident had “It’s stained one of the happiest days of my life”.
A Lip Reading expert told the court on Tuesday that Mr Rubiales asked Ms Hermoso: “Can I give you a kiss?” According to the video, the player’s Face.
Mr Rubiales admitted that he had “made a mistake” on the podium and that his actions were “inappropriate”, saying he should “play a more institutional role”, but denied that any crime had been committed.
Mr Rubiales’ three colleagues were also at trial, accused of colluding in alleged coercion: World Cup winner coach Jorge Vilda, former federal marketing director Rubén Rivera, and former sports director Albert Luque.
All four defendants denied the allegations against them.
Prosecutors are seeking two and a half years in prison for Rubiales. The trial lasted until February 19 and continued.
