A judge in Puerto Rico has decided not to extend a restraining order against singer Ricky Martin after Martin’s nephew dropped allegations that he and his uncle had a sexual relationship for seven months.
During a virtual court hearing on Thursday morning (July 21), Martin’s 21-year-old nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sánchez, “voluntarily desisted” from continuing with the case, according to NBC News. Both Martin and Sánchez attended the hearing online.
On Wednesday (July 20), it was reported that Martin would appear virtually before the judge in the case to deny Sánchez’s accusations.
Earlier this month, Sánchez filed a temporary restraining order against Martin under the Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act. Sánchez alleged that his uncle stalked and harassed him after their relationship ended.
Martin called the allegations “completely false” on his social media platforms and said he would let the judicial process play out. “Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot make detailed statements at this time,” he wrote. “I am grateful for the countless messages of solidarity, and I receive them with all my heart.”
Marty Singer, Martin’s lawyer, said Sánchez “is struggling with deep mental health challenges,” a claim supported by Martin’s brother Eric, who posted a Facebook live stream to talk about the accusations.
“Ricky Martin has, of course, never been – and would never be – involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew,” Singer said. “The idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting. We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs. But, most of all, we look forward to this awful case being dismissed as soon as a judge gets to look at the facts.”