Jenni Hermoso told the court during the trial of Spain’s former football chief that her 2023 World Cup celebrations were “stained” by the unwanted kiss from Luis Rubiales.
According to the Associated Press, as the trial against the former Spanish soccer chief, who is accused of sexual assault over Hermoso’s kiss, began on Monday, February 3, 2025, the footballer told the court that she felt “disrespected” as a woman after being kissed by the top official without consent.
The 34-year-old stated in court, “I didn’t hear or understand anything. The next thing he did was put his hands over my ears and kissed me on the mouth… I felt disrespected. At no point was I able to react. (It) stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
Speaking about the incident, she added, “I felt that it was completely out of context. I already knew that my boss was kissing me, and this should not happen in any social or work environment.”
Furthermore, Rubiales sparked outrage after he kissed Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s victory in the 2023 World Cup in Australia, leading to protests and calls for his resignation, while he denied any wrongdoing.
According to ABC News, prosecutors are demanding a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales over his alleged action, along with an additional 1.5-year sentence for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual.
