LUIS RUBIALES ON TRIAL FOR KISSING SCANDAL
Former football boss faces serious charges after unsolicited kiss on world champion Jennifer Hermoso
The trial of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, has begun, bringing to light a scandalous incident from August 2023. Rubiales is accused of sexually assaulting footballer Jennifer Hermoso by kissing her without her consent during the celebration following Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup. The case, which has ignited debates on sexism and power abuse within the world of sports, is being closely monitored both within Spain and internationally.
During the victory celebration, Rubiales, 47, surprised Hermoso with an unsolicited kiss, which was widely condemned. According to reports, Hermoso's discomfort during the incident was palpable. "The kiss was disgusting and burdensome, overshadowing one of the happiest days of my life," she stated before the court, making it clear how the event affected her.
Rubiales faces accusations of both sexual aggression and coercion. He allegedly pressured Hermoso multiple times to present the kiss as consensual, even attempting to coerce her relatives. If convicted, he faces significant prison time, as the prosecutor is requesting two and a half years of imprisonment for sexual aggression and possibly longer for the coercion charges.
The trial began at the State Court in Madrid, with Hermoso's painful recollections setting the tone for the proceedings. Rubiales, on the other hand, continues to maintain his innocence, describing the kiss as consensual, claiming it was merely part of the celebration. This assertion has been met with skepticism, particularly as testimonies reveal the intense pressure placed on Hermoso and the threats she received.
According to legal experts like Manuel Cancio from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, the key issue at hand is whether she consented to the kiss as Rubiales claims. Cancio remarked, "A kiss without consent constitutes sexual assault and infringes on women's sexual autonomy." Such statements have been pivotal as the legal framework surrounding the case is carefully examined.
Jennifer Hermoso, reflecting on the pressure to downplay the incident, disclosed how she received death threats and experienced immense stress post-kiss. These factors have added layers to the gravity of the legal proceedings, pushing them far beyond personal boundaries to societal issues surrounding sexism and the treatment of women in sports.
The aftermath of the kiss has galvanized movements against sexism, particularly within the sports arena. Following the incident, widespread protests erupted across Spain, with thousands taking to the streets, demanding accountability for abuses of power. Supportive slogans such as "Se acabó" (It's over) were seen on placards during matches, signaling solidarity with Hermoso.
Rubiales’ actions have not only sparked outrage but have prompted discussions about larger systemic issues within sports culture, particularly concerning male privilege and the treatment of women. Many argue this incident is Spain’s version of the Me Too movement, bringing to light prevalent misconduct and abuse.
Three former employees of the federation are also implicated, facing separate charges related to coercion. For these individuals, the prosecution is seeking one and a half years of imprisonment each, alongside the same 50,000 euro damages requested from Rubiales.
The court is expected to hear multiple testimonies as the trial progresses until the verdict is handed down later this year. The case has opened up the floor for discourse on sexual harassment and misogyny, not just within football, but across all sports.
While Rubiales attempts to paint himself as the victim of misinterpretation, many see the trial as central to addressing wider issues of consent and the treatment of women—both on and off the field. Marisa Soleto, director of the Fundación Mujeres, asserted, "This kiss, with all the attention it has garnered globally, signifies a climate of harassment and abuse of power against women, especially within such tough environments as football."
The eyes of the world are now on Madrid, where the outcome of this trial might pave the way for greater accountability and respect for women's autonomy, not just within sports, but society at large. The proceedings reveal the stark need for change and confrontation of ingrained misogyny.