Jenni Hermoso Condemns Rubiales’ Kiss as ‘Unacceptable’
Spain’s football star Jennifer Hermoso testified on Monday against Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, stating that the unsolicited kiss he gave her in 2023 was inappropriate in any setting.
Rubiales sparked international outrage when he forcefully cupped Hermoso’s head and kissed her on the lips during the medal ceremony after Spain’s victory over England in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
Prosecutors are seeking a 2.5-year prison sentence for Rubiales—one year for sexual assault and 18 months for allegedly pressuring Hermoso, 34, to downplay the incident.
Hermoso Speaks Out: ‘It Shouldn’t Happen Anywhere’
At the trial’s opening session at Spain’s National Court in San Fernando de Henares, Hermoso made her stance clear:
“This shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting… A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”
The incident, she added, tainted what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life.
Rubiales, now 47, has denied any wrongdoing, describing the kiss as a harmless “peck between friends” celebrating their victory.
Allegations of Coercion and Intimidation
Hermoso also detailed how she and her loved ones faced pressure from federation officials, who allegedly urged her to downplay the controversy.
She described feeling suffocated by intense media scrutiny upon returning to Spain, even receiving death threats.
“People were waiting for me outside, following me, taking photos while I had breakfast with my mother,” she recalled.
Due to security concerns, Hermoso and her family had to leave Madrid.
Rubiales’ Career in Tatters as Trial Continues
The scandal, which erupted on August 20, 2023, overshadowed Spain’s historic World Cup victory. Rubiales’ actions were widely condemned as an abuse of power, further igniting conversations about sexism in sports.
Alongside Rubiales, ex-Spain women’s coach Jorge Vilda and former federation officials Rubén Rivera and Albert Luque also face charges. Prosecutors accuse them of attempting to coerce Hermoso and are seeking 18-month sentences against them.
Feminist Victory Amid Football’s Darkest Scandal
Spanish authorities have since reformed criminal laws, now classifying non-consensual kisses as sexual assault.
As the trial unfolds, Spain’s Equality Minister Ana Redondo commended Hermoso for her courage:
“Thank you again, Jenni, for your bravery. Thanks to you and your teammates, we achieve another victory for feminism.”
Conclusion
The Rubiales trial represents a defining moment in women’s sports and the fight against sexism. With public support behind Hermoso, the case will likely set a precedent for accountability in football governance.
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