Luis Rubiales Claims Kiss to Player Was an Act of Affection Amid Trial

During his trial for sexual assault, Luis Rubiales testified that his kiss on player Jennifer Hermoso post-World Cup was a consensual expression of joy, a claim she later disputed, igniting broader conversations about consent and gender equality in sports.

Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's football federation, has come under scrutiny as he enters his trial for allegations of sexual assault and coercion related to a kiss with national star, Jennifer Hermoso. In a courtroom near Madrid, Rubiales stated that the kiss was merely a "sign of affection" following Spain's triumph at the 2023 Women's World Cup, characterizing the moment as one filled with "extraordinary joy."

Rubiales, who resigned in the aftermath of this incident, faces accusations of forcibly kissing Hermoso during the medal ceremony. He asserted during his testimony that he had sought consent beforehand, saying, “I asked her, ‘Can I give you a little kiss?’ and she said, ‘OK.’”

However, Hermoso refuted this claim almost immediately after the incident, stating, “at no time did I consent to the kiss that he gave me.” Her portrayal of the moment highlighted feelings of shock and discomfort, noting that she felt unable to react as it happened so quickly. Hermoso described the episode as an inappropriate interaction given their professional dynamic, remarking, “My boss was kissing me. This should not happen.”

The incident has sparked a national debate in Spain, reflecting deeply rooted issues of gender equality and machismo within the sports community. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for how consent and power dynamics are perceived in such celebratory environments moving forward.