As per a report by BBC, Jenni Hermoso has lodged a legal complaint against Luis Rubiales, the President of the Spanish Football Federation, for an alleged non-consensual kiss.
Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory in the World Cup final. While Rubiales maintains that the kiss was mutual and consensual, he has been provisionally suspended by Fifa, the global governing body of football. The filing of the complaint implies that Rubiales, who is 46 years old, may be subject to criminal charges.
A statement from the national prosecutor’s office said: “Jennifer Hermoso filed an express complaint for the facts that you all know.
“The national court’s prosecutor’s office will file a complaint as soon as possible. The statement took place at the state attorney general’s office to protect the privacy of the victim.” On August 29th, Spanish prosecutors initiated a preliminary investigation to determine whether the incident in question constitutes a crime of sexual assault. The highest criminal court in Spain announced its decision to launch an investigation based on the unequivocal nature of the statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, aged 33, and deemed it necessary to ascertain their legal significance.
According to the statement, the sexual act to which Hermoso was subjected by Luis Rubiales was non-consensual, as per her public statements. Legal experts will also reach out to Hermoso to provide her with the option of legal action, allowing her to contact National Court prosecutors within 15 days to obtain information about her rights as a victim of an alleged sexual assault, should she choose to file a complaint.
The statement added: “In order to proceed with a case for sexual assault, harassment or sexual abuse, it will be necessary for the injured party or their legal representative to file suit, or the public prosecutor’s office.”
It is reported that Hermoso filed her complaint on Tuesday. Rubiales, who was observed grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s 1-0 victory over England prior to the kiss, has consistently declined to step down from his role.
