In brief
Key testimonies reveal emotional distress experienced by Hermoso following the kiss by Rubiales during the World Cup.
Spanish football players, including prominent teammates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, provided critical testimonies in court on Thursday regarding Jenni Hermoso's experience following an alleged non-consensual kiss from former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales. The incident, which took place during the medal ceremony at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia, has sparked significant controversy, leading to protests and calls for Rubiales' resignation. During the trial in Madrid, Putellas relayed how Hermoso felt "overwhelmed" after the encounter, while teammate Laia Codina expressed that Hermoso was "sad" and not enjoying herself. Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the kiss was a consensual event. Hermoso previously testified that she never consented to the kiss and felt disrespected, particularly as a woman. Upon reflection, Putellas described her initial belief that the incident was merely a misunderstanding, later learning from Hermoso that she felt violated by Rubiales' actions. The emotional fallout from the incident reverberated throughout the team, with Paredes recalling her efforts to curtail joking about the matter on the bus ride to the airport, insisting it was a serious issue. Putellas revealed that Hermoso was visibly affected on their return flight, crying from emotional exhaustion. Testimonies also indicated that Rubiales had pressured Hermoso into issuing a denial of non-consent, an act that left her furious. Codina noted how Hermoso's demeanor during a celebratory trip to Ibiza was starkly different from what should have been one of her life's happiest moments.Additionally, other individuals linked to Rubiales are on trial, charged with collusion in the alleged coercion of Hermoso. They deny these allegations. Reports have emerged that Rubiales' colleagues warned Hermoso about potential repercussions if she did not publicly downplay the incident.The prosecution is seeking a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales for sexual assault and an additional one-and-a-half years for coercion. The trial continues as more testimonies are expected.
