Grammy Award winner Ricky Martin is allegedly being sued again by the same nephew who accused the singer of domestic abuse in July.
During that case, Martin’s nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sánchez, dropped the charges alleging that he and his uncle had a sexual relationship for seven months and that Martin stalked and harassed him after their relationship ended.
These new sexual assault allegations by Sánchez come a few days after Martin filed a lawsuit against Sánchez to seek $20 million in damages for extortion, malicious prosecution, and abuse of rights.
Although information about who filed the complaint on Friday (September 9) was not made public, the Associated Press is reporting that a person not authorized to speak about the case confirmed to them that it was Sánchez. The new complaint was filed Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“These claims are wildly offensive and completely untethered from reality,” said Martin’s attorney, José Andréu-Fuentes, in a statement obtained by Deadline. “When this man previously made similar allegations, his legal case had to be withdrawn – not least because he himself admitted under oath that Ricky Martin had never assaulted him in any way.”
Andréu-Fuentes added: “Now, after being sued for trying to extort Mr. Martin, he is attempting to spread his lies again. It is beyond time that the media stops giving this deeply troubled individual the oxygen of publicity and allows him to get the help he so clearly needs.”
After the first lawsuit was dropped, Martin described the experience as a “nightmare” for him and his entire family.
“I was the victim of lies,” Martin said. “Unfortunately, the attack came from a member of the family who is sadly dealing with mental issues. The only thing I wish is the best for him and that he finds light.”