Ricky Martin’s Lawyers Call Incest Allegations “Untrue” and “Disgusting”

A legal representative for Ricky Martin has issued a statement claiming his client’s innocence against accusations of engaging in an incestuous relationship with his 21-year-old nephew. Attorney Martin Singer called the allegation “untrue” and “disgusting,” and stated that the accuser is “struggling with deep mental health challenges.”

Two weeks ago, reports emerged that the 50-year-old Grammy-winning, platinum-selling recording artist and actor was issued a restraining order by a judge in Puerto Rico. It was alleged that Martin, who was married in 2017 and has two small children with his husband, had not accepted the recent separation from a “romantic partner,” and that he was seen loitering near the petitioner’s home at least three times. “The petitioner fears for his safety,” wrote the Spanish language news outlet El Vocero, which had seen the legal documents. 

Martin’s representatives denied the accusation saying that “the allegations … that lead to a protection order are completely false and fabricated” and added, “we are very confident that when the true facts come out in this matter, our client Ricky Martin will be fully vindicated.”

On Friday, the website Marca reported that Martin’s brother, Eric Martin, had revealed that the accuser is the singer’s nephew, and that they had a relationship for seven months. 

Martin is due in court on July 21, when a judge will determine if the restraining order should remain in place. It remains unclear what legal charges could be levied against Martin, but laws against incest, which vary widely in different states and U.S. territories, are particularly harsh in Puerto Rico. Martin could face a 50-year prison sentence if convicted. 

Martin’s lawyer’s statement expanded, “Ricky Martin has, of course, never been—and would never be—involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.” He added, “the idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting. We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs. But, most of all, we look forward to this awful case being dismissed as soon as a judge gets to look at the facts.” 

The celebrated performer is currently shooting the series Ms. American Pie in Los Angeles with Alison Janney, Laura Dern, Kristen Wiig, and Carol Burnett, showrunner Abe Sylvia, and director Tate Taylor. Shutterbugs for TMZ caught him showing up to work as the story broke. 

Martin is also facing a lawsuit from his former manager, Rebecca Drucker, seeking $3 million in unpaid commissions.