Luis Rubiales Defends Kiss as Affection in Sexual Assault Trial

At his sexual assault trial, Luis Rubiales asserted that his kiss with Jennifer Hermoso was a celebratory gesture, contrary to the player's claims of non-consent, highlighting the cultural shift in Spanish soccer regarding gender equality and machismo.

Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's soccer federation, has found himself at the center of legal proceedings regarding an incident after Spain’s national team secured the 2023 Women’s World Cup. On Tuesday, he appeared before a court near Madrid, where he testified that his kiss with star player Jennifer Hermoso was merely a gesture of affection during a moment of collective joy.

Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault and coercion following the incident, where he kissed Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation. He maintained that the act was innocent, stating, “It’s not every day you win a World Cup,” and emphasized that he has kissed other players in similar celebratory contexts. During his testimony, he claimed he sought permission from Hermoso before the kiss, saying, “I asked her, ‘Can I give you a little kiss?’ and she responded with an 'OK.'”

However, Hermoso has consistently disputed Rubiales' narrative. Following the incident, she stated that she did not consent to the kiss and described her inability to react adequately in that moment, highlighting the power dynamics at play. “It was a thousandth of a second,” she remarked, critiquing the appropriateness of her boss kissing her in such a manner, and declaring, “This should not happen.”

The incident has triggered widespread discussions about sexism and gender equality within Spanish soccer, igniting a personal reckoning within the sport as it grapples with traditional notions of masculinity contrasted with evolving views on equality and respect. The trial is expected to delve deeper into these aspects as it unfolds.