Footballer Jenni Hermoso testified on Monday in the trial against Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion. Rubiales is accused of an incident that occurred during the celebrations for Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup in August 2023. Hermoso detailed that she felt disrespected and that the kiss she received from Rubiales, her boss, was not consensual, which made her fear being followed in the street.
Hermoso expressed before the Spanish Justice: "My boss was kissing me and this should not happen in any environment," adding that she felt the gesture tainted one of the happiest days of her life. The footballer recounted that Rubiales congratulated her for her contribution to the World Cup victory and then kissed her without her consent, which she found out of context.
The midfielder also revealed that after the incident Rubiales contacted her asking for help to record a video, during which he kissed her again. Hermoso stated that she received death threats and various messages after what happened. The prosecutors are seeking a sentence of two and a half years in prison for Rubiales, who will testify on February 12.
Hermoso stated in her testimony that she felt violated and told Rubiales that she did not want the kiss. She added that she had not been informed about any protocol at that moment and that she was surprised by the situation. The player emphasized that the kiss was unwelcome and that the former president of the RFEF made her feel uncomfortable.
