Ricky Martin’s nephew withdraws harassment complaint against singer
A judge lifted a temporary restraining order against Martin Thursday during a hearing in San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to police spokesman Axel Valencia, the order will be “on file” since there is “nothing criminal” pending against Martin.
In remarks recorded after Thursday’s decision, Martin called the allegations painful and thanked his supporters.
“I’ve been working on stage for nearly four decades, in the public eye, and I’ve never, ever had to deal with anything as painful as what I’ve been through for the past two weeks. “I was the victim of a lie. Unfortunately, the attack came from a family member who unfortunately suffers from mental health issues,” Martin said.
“The only thing I wish for him is the best and that he finds the light. Lies cause a lot of damage. It has done a lot of damage to me, to my children, to my husband, to my parents, to all my family I couldn’t defend myself before because there was a process that I had to go through, where I had to remain silent until I could speak in front of a judge and that’s how it is happened,” the singer continued. “Thank you so much to all the hardcore fans who have always sent me messages of love, positive messages. I insist, there is a God who rewards those who focus and live in the truth.”
Martin was served with the domestic violence protective order on July 1 by Puerto Rican police. He was wanted by his 21-year-old nephew, according to Spanish outlet Marca, citing a member of Martin’s family. The story included allegations that Martin, 50, and his nephew had been romantically involved.
But Martin’s attorney, Marty Singer, strongly denied the allegations in a statement to CNN on Monday, calling them “false” and “disgusting.”
“Ricky Martin has, of course, never been – and never would be – involved in any sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew,” Singer said.
In a statement to CNN, Martin’s attorneys said Thursday that the protective order was lifted after the nephew requested that the case be dismissed.
“The accuser confirmed in court that his decision to close the case was his own, without any outside influence or pressure,” said Joaquín Monserrate Matienzo, Carmelo Dávila and Harry Massanet Pastrana.
“It was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to back them up,” they added. “We are happy that our client has seen justice and can now move forward with his life and career.”
CNN has contacted the court for additional information.
Martin is scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Friday.
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