Ricky Martin‘s lawyers say he “can now move forward with his life and career” after a temporary restraining order against him was dropped on Thursday.
Earlier this month, Martin’s nephew filed the order and accused the singer of sexual abuse in Puerto Rico. Martin, 50, vowed to fight the claims, with a representative calling them, “completely false and fabricated.”
In a statement released on Martin’s Twitter account on Thursday his lawyers Joaquín Monserrate Matienzo, Carmelo Dávila, and Harry Massanet Pastrana said: “Just as we had anticipated, the temporary protection order was not extended by the Court.
“The accuser confirmed to the court that his decision to dismiss the matter was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure, and the accuser confirmed he was satisfied with his legal representation in the matter.”
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It continued: “The request came from the accuser asking to dismiss the case. This was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to substantiate them. We are glad that our client saw justice done and can now move forward with his life and his career.”
Martin captioned the post: “Truth prevails”.
Truth prevails.
Swipe right for English pic.twitter.com/4Q7UOHCi7e
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) July 21, 2022
His lawyers added in a Spanish statement:
“There were a lot of sensational headlines on this matter that simply did not correspond in any way with the facts”.
Though the July 1 restraining order was filed anonymously, last week media outlet Marca said that one of Martin’s nephews, 21-year-old Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, was behind the action. Sanchez claimed he had a seven-month-long sexual relationship with his uncle.
He said when he broke it off a couple of months ago, Martin reacted badly and harassed him over the decision, prompting the legal action.
His lawyers told Variety: “Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.
“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.”
We’re glad the whole business is over for Martin — the story seemed way off from the start.
Martin must also be happy to put it to rest; now his lawyers can focus on that other legal drama.
In late June, Martin’s former manager filed a $3 million lawsuit against him, claiming unpaid commissions.
johncp56
If my uncle looked like Ricky, I would have gladly been his side lay, lol, I also could not believe Mr Martain would do anything like this,
Bengali
too easily investigated. The nephew is a nut job and even the kid’s father says so. Ricky’s got a dashing husband (not my type but who cares) and 4 beautiful kids. He’s not going to risk that for a fling with a young relative.
jockboy1986
Bengali,
And so far, the evidence is in the nephew’s favor. A judge clearly saw enough evidence to issue an order of protection against Ricky. So while there may not be proof of an affair or “abuse,” there was clearly enough proof of harassment. Judges don’t just issue such orders based on accusations. I’m willing to bet that the proof consists of emails, and plenty of them show an affair. Is it any wonder Ricky harassed his nephew to keep silent? But it seems like Ricky has bought him off with hush money so we may never find out. As others have pointed out, victims don’t just drop orders of protection for no reason. It’s not like they cost money, or that the nephew has any overwhelming need to see Ricky.
Mack
Jocketboy1986 Obviously you don’t know how a Order of Protection works. When originally filed, it’s only temporary, until there is a court date-and depending on the jurisdiction only a small amount of evidence is needed until a court date is set. Then evidence is presented BY BOTH SIDES and then it goes from there. Most courts will err on the side of the filer when originally filing for a temporary one.
AHappyMom
Bengali, there is no investigation. There was no civil lawsuit and no criminal charges, only a restraining order. Still not sure why Ricky Martin was so adamant about contacting his nephew. Why not just let the order stand? Why fight it? It’s not like an anonymous order ruins his reputation or costs him money. Just leave the guy alone.
AHappyMom
Mack,
So what? What you wrote does not contradict jockboy at all. A “small amount of evidence” is still evidence. You clearly missed his point — which is why Ricky is so aggressive about getting the order lifted? How exactly does it affect his life? And if there is a future court hearing, then why not let it go forward? Ricky clearly has more money for lawyers than his nephew. Why not hear the evidence from both sides? Then he can silence the nephew with a defamation suit. What is Ricky afraid of?
Toofie
A woman once got a restraining order against David Letterman because she said he was telepathically sending messages through the tv.. So preliminary restraining orders don’t necessarily need airtight evidence of harassment.
RandyAndy
Toofie, who said anything about airtight? However, a judge wouldn’t write the order unless you show proof. I know because I’ve been there. They are reluctant to limit anyone’s First Amendment rights unless. At least that’s what the judge told us.
sfhairy
So now Queerty has to un-cancel Ricky. Oh my, lets see them do that.
LumpyPillows
Any jerk can make an accusation. That’s all the radicals need to screech into action with their cancel demands.
RyanMBecker
What accusations? Right now, the only public accusations are from Martin, calling his cousin “disturbed,” among other things. The cousin filed the restraining order ANONYMOUSLY, but was then outed by Marca. The only accusations by the cousin were made privately to a judge. All the restraining order does is to prevent Martin from contacting his cousin. How is that an accusation? Why not just respect his cousin’s wishes and move on?
jockboy1986
But not just any jerk can get an order of protection. Only evidence of harassment or endangerment can convince a judge to issue one. At the very least, Ricky was guilty of harassment. Why he harassed his nephew may never be known, now that Ricky has hushed him with money.
LumpyPillows
Jock, you don’t know anything.
Ryan, clearly there were accusations. Do you not understand the story?
Cam
@jockboy1986
Hi Mario,
I knew one of your screenames would be in here, you love to attack any out of the closet LGBTQ celeb.
Fahd
That’s the good and the bad of the US legal system. Anyone can sue anyone for anything at any time; the repercussions/penalties for filing frivolous actions are minimal (see also Tr*mp).
As a fan of Ricky’s, I do sincerely hope this is the end of this matter. He doesn’t deserve this stuff.
RyanMBecker
What lawsuit are you talking about? This was about a restraining order. If the cousin doesn’t want any contact with Martin, why won’t he just respect that and go on with his life? Why is it so crucial that Martin have contact with his cousin?
And why are you uncritically supporting Martin when the available evidence suggests that he was harassing his cousin FYI, judges don’t just issue restraining orders without evidence. Your uncritical fandom might be shattered in the coming weeks.
jockboy1986
There is no lawsuit. There was only an order of protection to prevent Ricky from harassing his nephew. As such, you’re wrong. While anyone can file a lawsuit, not everyone can get an order of protection. You need proof that to convince a judge that you’re being harassed, or that your life is in danger. Apparently, a judge was convinced.
Fahd
@Ryan and @Jock
I don’t think that especially when it comes to a “domestic violence” situation that a judge is going to require proof of harassment before issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO). I just think the judge would have to find the representations being made by the person seeking the TRO to be credible. In that case, especially in a family (domestic) matter, the prudent thing would be to grant the TRO until the hearing.
That seems to be what happened here and then when they had the court hearing the nephew withdraw the request and swore that he was doing so of his own free will and without influence. Ricky’s lawyers vehemently denied in public afterward that the nephew was paid any money.
As I said above, I hope there isn’t more to the story.
RyanMBecker
I must be missing something. Martin’s lawyer said that Martin “can now move forward with his life and career.” What exactly about the PRIVATE restraining order was preventing Martin from pursuing his life and career? Why was contact with his cousin so crucial that both were frozen? Clearly, there is something Martin hasn’t revealed.
I hate to say this, but I don’t believe Martin. Judges don’t just issue restraining orders without evidence. And Martin’s aversion to the restraining order certainly suggests that there’s more to the relationship. I’m not against interfamilial relationships but I am against harassment.
jockboy1986
I agree with everything you said but it’s his nephew, not his cousin. But everything else you said rings true!
KyleMichelSullivan
You don’t “hate to say this,” you have chosen not to believe Ricky and nothing will change your mind. I have a sister-in-law who’s bi-polar, and when she’s been off her meds she has made some ridiculous accusations against members of my family, including me. She once claimed I molested her son a year before I’d even met the kid and while I was living 1500 miles away. So I buy the mental health bit.
My take is, it’s very suspicious this happened shortly after an ex-manager filed a lawsuit asking for money from Ricky. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out she was behind it.
FWIW, the “nephew” is the son of Ricky’s step-sister, so not a blood-relation meaning no incest was involved. And he was well over the age of consent, at the time, so no molestation. But I notice that’s the direction the MSM went first…and you seem to be headed that way, as well. So just want to put that out there.
AHappyMom
Kyle wrote:
“You don’t “hate to say this,” you have chosen not to believe Ricky and nothing will change your mind.”
I’m always sadly amused when people say this. First of all, the arrogance of playing mind-reader. How exactly do you know what he thinks? Are you arrogantly using your own moral compass as default, and anyone who deviates must not be sincere? How exactly do you know how malleable his mind is? Hmmmmmm…
Finally, “chosen not to believe” is nonsensical. As my therapist constantly reminds me, you either believe or you don’t. One doesn’t “choose” to believe, anymore than my son chose to be gay. Did you choose your sexual orientation?
Here’s news for you: there is a variety of opinions on this, and deviating from your norm does not make other opinions less valid.
AHappyMom
Kyle, you might want to read Ryan’s comment carefully. Your news of their lineage is irrelevant because Ryan already said that he’s not against consensual “interfamilial” relationships. Incest has nothing to do with this. The question is whether he harassed his nephew, and the court saw enough evidence to give the nephew an order of protection.
If Ricky wants to file a defamation suit against his nephew, then we can talk about the alleged affair, abuse, etc. But right now, it’s just about the order of protection and why Ricky kept harassing his nephew.
KyleMichelSullivan
So, AHappyMom, you have also made the decision to not believe Ricky, and you’re using claptrap to excuse it. Fine. Ignore the rest of Ryan’s comments, completely. Pay no attention to his incessantly suggestive train of thought. That is your prerogative.
BTW, have you seen any evidence of this supposed harassment by Ricky? I haven’t, but maybe I missed it…
RyanMBecker
KyleMichelSullivan,
Don’t arrogantly assume if my mind is changeable. As a scientist, I am convinced by evidence. Not by a pretty face, sexual affiliation (gay/bi/straight), race, etc or sympathy.
Your story is interesting but so what…? Where was the restraining order in your story? The nephew just wanted to be left alone. That’s the only point to this story — that Martin, for unexplained reasons, found the order to crush his life and career. That having contact with his nephew was essential to his well-being. Really? This has nothing to do with false accusations or bipolar disorders. If Martin wants to litigate that, go file a defamation suit. But clearly, the nephew has been silenced, whether by money or threats.
KyleMichelSullivan
Wow…I almost feel sorry for you and your need to disparage someone over something you know nothing about…I mean, aside from the gossip spread by the MSM.
“Scientist.” Right. Got it.
Sully
Kyle, seriously? That last post was pathetic. Try addressing his points. Personal attacks just makes you looks desperate and childish. Leave your personal issues and Ricky Martin obsession behind and address his points if you want to have a serious discussion. Because that’s what adults do.
KyleMichelSullivan
“My” obsession, Sully? Really? Not Ryan’s, mine. As he goes on and on and on about how he thinks Ricky’s guilty. Fascinating.
Did you bother reading the other comments I’ve made in response to him? I get the impression you haven’t.
Toofie
Oh come on. If you have a false restraining order on you, you wouldn’t want it removed?
RandyAndy
Toofie, only if it limited my life or career in some practical way. For example, I couldn’t care less if Ricky Martin had a restraining order on me. I certainly wouldn’t waste the time or money, or bad publicity to fight it. The nephew and Martin don’t even live on the same land mass. I would, however, fight any defamatory remarks. But that’s not what Ricky did. He inexplicably targeted the protection order, which suggests that he wanted contact with his nephew. And his attorneys also made a big deal about the order being lifted.
Cam
@RyanMBecker
Mario, if you’re going to switch screenames to troll, try to vary what you say so it isn’t so easy to spot.
Toofie
No. If someone files a restraining order that’s false, you fight it. And yes, having one filed against can affect your livelihood.
RyanMBecker
Why did Martin fight the restraining order? If the nephew doesn’t want any contact with him, then why won’t Martin just respect that and leave him alone? As far as I know that’s all the restraining order was. Had Martin just quietly respected the order, it might not have gone public. The cousin filled the order anonymously, indicating he didn’t want publicity. In fact, I only heard about this in the context of Martin fighting it.
I don’t know Puerto Rican media. Has the nephew gone public with this? Or was he outed by Marca? Martin is not exactly an A-lister on the mainland so I doubt if anyone would have found out had neither of them gone public. And so far, I’ve only heard from Martin’s side.
As far as I can tell, there is no lawsuit, palimony claims or rape/assault charges. So why didn’t Martin just cut off all communications and respect his cousin’s wishes?
Essie
Didn’t you read that the nephew “accused the singer of sexual abuse” said he and Martin had had “a sexual affair for the past seven months.”?
cutemikey
Essie, I’m not sure what your saying. Ryan is right. He made those accusations to a judge privately, and then made public comments AFTER he was exposed by the media. And the media only digged into the story because Ricky’s PR team made it public. There’s a reason why the cousin filled the order anonymously.
expressionlessanger
Essie,
Read carefully. He wrote, “no lawsuit, palimony claims or rape/assault charges.” They are all true. There hasn’t been any lawsuit, palimony claims or rape/assault charges.” Claiming that he was abused is not a criminal rape/adult charge. It was a relationship gone wrong where the cousin felt abused and wanted out. For whatever reason, Martin wouldn’t break it off.
jockboy1986
Essie, having “a sexual affair for the past seven months” is not an accusation. It’s a statement of fact, in the nephew’s mind (although it may be false). In fact, the nephew never claimed that the relationship was forced or in any way, without his consent (only later did it become abusive). It only became negative and accusatory after Ricky Martins PR team denied it and called it disgusting.
The only accusation here that matters is that Ricky harassed him enough to warrant an order of protection. The court agreed.
RyanMBecker
My guess is that the relationship happened and Martin was afraid of it going public so Martin threatened and harassed his cousin. The cousin then filed an anonymous restraining order against Martin. Judges only issue restraining orders when evidence is presented. Finally, Martin’s team offered the cousin hush money, resulting in him dropping the restraining order. Note that I’m not saying that the cousin ever demanded any money — only that Martin offered it.
This seems like just another example of the rich buying someone off.
RyanMBecker
BTW, Martin’s attorneys were misleading when they claimed, “Just as we had anticipated, the temporary protection order was not extended by the Court.” The order is gone because his cousin dropped it — NOT because the Court decided not to extend it. They tried to portray the order as lacking legal merit when that wasn’t the case at all. That’s why I don’t believe Martin in this case.
cuteguy
The payout prevailed
Agility
What payout?
RyanMBecker
Oops, I kept referring to Martin’s nephew as his cousin. The alleged victim is his nephew. That’ll teach me to post while analyzing data at work.
KyleMichelSullivan
Like this makes any difference? You’ve become the banner-man for the nephew by marriage (not by blood) and take joy in attacking Ricky. You sound like a lovely guy.
RandyAndy
Kyle, Where did he say that it made a difference? He was merely correcting a mistake he made. And it’s hilarious that you harped sorry it not mattering when you saw the need to point out that they’re not graduated by blood. So when you explained they’re relationship, it mattered, but not when Ryan did. That’s what the other person meant by you being a hypocrite.
I signed up for a Queerty account just so that I can reply to you. Your posts are driven by ego and personal attacks. I’m sure you’re too arrogant to realize this but each new post just makes you look more childish. Go satiate your desperation for attention elsewhere. This is place for adult discussions
mastik8
Write a big enough check…
Sully
Wow, Kyle, you are seriously dense. He was making a correction to his posts, and you, with all you pettiness, attacked even that. Not once did he say that his correction had any bearing on the discussion. On the other hand, your hypocrisy is embarrassing. Didn’t you make the point of telling us that they’re not blood cousins? And how is that relevant? Your stainable story about bipolar disorder is also irrelevant. No one asked. Grow you and focus on the topic if you want to be taken seriously.
KyleMichelSullivan
I do not think you know what “hypocrisy” means.
RandyAndy
Sully made sense to me. Perhaps you need to use a dictionary. Funny how no one is coming to Kyle’s defense.
Kangol2
Strange that there are multiple new posters (Sully, RandyAndy–who admitted just signing up) bolstering each others’ posts to attack Kyle. Come on, whoever you are, regular Queerty posters see right through this ploy. And so will the Queerty editors, so cut this sh!t out!
Sully
It sounds like they had a consensual affair. Sanchez then wanted to break it off but Martin didn’t. He was probably worried about the bad publicity of infidelity. Sanchez may have even threatened to go to the press. Regardless, Martin hounded Sanchez to the point of warranting a protection order (in the eyes of the judge). If Martin is so innocent, why doesn’t he just stop bothering Sanchez and go on with his life. Then sue him for defamation if no relationship had ever occurred. But that won’t happen because Martin has bribed him into silence with $$$.
KyleMichelSullivan
What evidence have you seen for this? I’d really like to know, because so far all I’ve found is conjecture and gossip mixed with disdain.
Agility
It literally sounds *nothing* like they had a consensual affair.
RandyAndy
Ability, yes, it sounds like an unwanted obsession and harassment.
Agility
No, it sounds like the nephew fabricated it.
Donston
You need zero evidence to get a brief order of protection. All a judge has to do is feel like there’s some type of conflict there. So, using that alone to claim that something must have been going on is silly. Ultimately, I don’t have any opinions about this, because all we have is a dismissed restraining order. Martin has denied everything. And we don’t know anything about the nephew to determine his state of mind or reasoning.
RandyAndy
Maybe the law is that flimsy where you live. But as someone who has petitioned for an order of restraint, I can tell you otherwise. The judge cited the First Amendment several times, and we had to provide evidence. He stressed, “Your dislike for a person does not trump the First Amendment.” We had to show actual potential harm.
DarkZephyr
@RandyAndy
Sorry you had to go through all of that, but other people have had very different experiences. Donston is correct. None of us has any evidence to conclusively declare what actually happened or who’s guilty of what.
cutemikey
That’s false. When I filed one against my ex, my attorney advised me to have text messages, voicemails and even security video (which was a hassle to get from the homophobic landlord). She certainly didn’t make it sound easy. If I’m not mistaken, it’s especially tough in Puerto Rico.
As for this, if it’s so “brief,” why did Ricky’s team go through all this trouble? Just let it expire. The fact that he was so forceful in his response hints at something more. I mean, why bother fighting it at all?
bachy
I’ll wager that a good 25% of all MeToo-type litigation is initiated by people with psychological problems associated with sex. It’s not dissimilar to stalking. Legal action can be a twisted way to win attention, punish, humiliate or harass the object of their obsession. Throw in the potential for a windfall settlement and that estimated percentage could go even higher.
I do not believe all so-called victims.
LegionKeign
To all the folks saying you need proof to get a restraining order, I can tell you from first hand experience that that is a big fat lie.
I had a neighbor get a restraining order against me. She cried and cried in court telling the judge I threatened to kill her and her children and she got what she wanted, even though I had never even spoken to her.
My crime? Being Gay and putting up a Gay Pride flag.
She got a “temporary” restraining order and when I went to court, with my family and neighbors, the truth came out and the order was dismissed with prejudice.
So, yes, you can get a restraining order brought against you without actually having done anything.
Toofie
Perfect example of a false restraining order. And an example that if this happens, you fight it!