Shock ‘incest’ claim in Ricky Martin case

The bombshell allegations come after almost 40 years in the entertainment industry as one of the world’s most sought-after stars.

In a career that has seen him play in all corners of the world, Martin is the most decorated male Latin artist of all time with more than 200 awards, including two Grammys, five Latin Grammys, five MTV Video Music Awards and three Billboard Music Awards.

He has also received an Emmy nomination for his acting work and was honoured in 2007 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But Martin, 50, is now accused of “exercising physical and psychological attacks” upon Dennis Yadiel Sanchez during an alleged seven-month affair, which is reported to have ended two months ago.

Sanchez, 21, is the son of Martin’s half-sister.

And a new documentary has also shed light on how Martin entered the world of showbiz – and the dark past thay surrounds his first band.

Shocking allegations

If charged and found guilty, Martin could face up to 50 years in prison over the shocking allegations made by his nephew.

Puerto Rican law has stricter penalties for certain sexual crimes when the alleged victim and the accuser are related, but it’s not specifically known what accusations Ricky is facing.

Martin’s attorney Marty Singer swiftly denied the claims, which emerged in a restraining order filed against Martin on July 1, saying: “Unfortunately, the person who made this claim is struggling with deep mental health challenges. 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.”

“The allegations against Ricky Martin that led to a protection order are completely false and fabricated,” added Ricky’s reps in a statement to People magazine.

Martin also made a statement on Twitter, writing: “The protection order entered against me is based on completely false allegations, so I will respond through the judicial process with the facts and the dignity that characterise me.

“Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot make detailed statements at this time. I am grateful for the countless messages of solidarity, and I receive them with all my heart.”

Life in the spotlight

Martin’s life in the music industry began at a young age, rising to stardom as part of one of the biggest Latin groups of all time.

Before Martin was close to releasing “Livin’ La Vida Loca”, members of his former boy band Menudo were said to be living a nightmare.

In a recent documentary, Angelo Garcia – who joined Menudo just after he had turned 11 – said he was raped during his 1988-90 stint with the quintet.

He details the sexual assault – which he said took place in his hotel room after he was given alcohol by an undisclosed man – in Menudo: Forever Young, a four-part docuseries.

Other members of Menudo – which featured 32 different boys during its initial 20-year run – also claimed they endured sexual abuse, as well as bullying, drug scandals and oppressive working conditions.

Menudo found its most famous member, Martin, in 1984.

“Ricky, from the beginning, was like the golden kid,” says fellow former band member Raymond Acevedo.

But Martin – who is not interviewed in the documentary – was allegedly using his seniority to gain favours from other members, according to Sergio Blass, who was in Menudo from 1986 to 1990.

“To be with Ricky was brutal because he had seniority over me,” Blass said. “So if someone knocked on the door, I had to open it. If the phone rang, I had to pick it up. I was like his housewife.”

Acevedo even recalled being held over a balcony by another member. Without getting proper supervision and even security, the boys were also exposed to drugs, including marijuana and cocaine.

Former manager sues for millions

In 2021, Martin was hit with a $4.3 million lawsuit from his ex-manager Rebecca Drucker.

Ms Drucker – who worked with Martin from 2014 to 2018 and then again from 2020 to 2022 – is suing the Latin music icon, 50, for unpaid commissions, according to legal documents.

Ms Drucker noted that she worked with him on two separate occasions due to his “personal and professional life in absolute turmoil” and allegedly helped the Puerto Rican singer navigate the world of “recording contracts, touring and sponsorship deals, and other professional endeavours”.

“Rebecca Drucker saved Ricky Martin’s career,” the 15-page suit, seen by the New York Post, alleged. “There is just one problem: Martin completely and maliciously refused to pay Rebecca the millions of dollars in commissions that he owes her under their management agreement.

“With Rebecca at his side, Martin made millions of dollars and therefore owes Rebecca substantial commissions,” the complaint claimed.

Ms Drucker also claimed in the suit that the Livin’ la Vida Loca crooner was threatened and intimidated with a “potentially career-ending allegation” in September 2020.

“Rebecca has also fiercely protected Martin,” she alleged in the suit, noting that she “advised him and brought in top litigation counsel to handle the matter”.

– with The New York Post

.

Originally published as Shock ‘incest’ accusation at the centre of Ricky Martin domestic violence case