‘Wakanda Forever’ star Tenoch Huerta responds to ‘sexual predator’ allegations
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star Tenoch Huerta is denying abuse allegations made against him over the weekend.
Saxophonist and activist María Elena Ríos tweeted on Sunday, calling Huerta, 42, a “sexual predator” and alleging that he abused her.
In her post, translated from Spanish, she wrote, “It is very difficult to talk about the emotional abuse and abuse of power of a sexual predator who is loved in the world for playing a character in a movie like @TenochHuerta.”
“Charming in appearance, the great hallmark of a narcissist + a good helping of victimization,” Ríos added.
On Monday, Huerta posted a statement as his Instagram story — which was also provided to The Post — claiming that he and Ríos had a consensual relationship nearly a year ago.
“A false and completely unsubstantiated accusation about me has spread like wildfire — and I cannot let it go unchallenged any longer,” the Marvel actor’s statement started.
Huerta wrote, “About a year ago, I dated Elena for several months. It was entirely consensual at all times, as countless others can attest. And throughout it was a loving, warm and mutually supportive relationship. After it ended, however, Elena began to misrepresent our interactions both privately and in front of groups of mutual friends.”
Huerta continued: “As a result, a few months ago, I engaged a legal team to commence the appropriate actions to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false accusations that can cause great prejudice and damage.”
“Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue. And while I will always work to improve myself, I need to contest claims that are both false and offensive,” he wrote.
“I am deeply grateful to my family and the people who have supported me and greatly appreciate everyone who is willing to look at the facts and reflect before rushing to an untrue and unjust conclusion,” he ended.
The Post has also contacted Ríos and Marvel for comment.
On Sunday, Ríos further addressed why she felt now was the time to come forward with her allegations against her former partner.
“Why didn’t I report? Because I was afraid that this would happen: people who refuse to believe that a SUPER HERO is an abuser, manipulator and sexual predator,” she explained.
She added: “Yes, you @TenochHuerta abuse because you know you have power.”
Huerta is best known for his portrayal of Namor in Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” but he has also appeared in Latin American and Spanish movies.
Marvel has not yet revealed whether Huerta’s Namor will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fellow Marvel star Jonathan Majors faces misdemeanor assault and harassment charges for allegedly attacking and choking his ex, Grace Jabbari, in New York City.
His lawyer has claimed the charges are nothing more than “a witch hunt.”
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