In brief
The trial of Luis Rubiales, accused of kissing soccer player Jennifer Hermoso without consent, opens amidst national outrage and conversations about sexism in sports.
Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, is currently on trial for sexual assault and coercion following his unsolicited kiss on player Jennifer Hermoso after Spain's triumph in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. As the trial commenced on Monday, Hermoso expressed how the incident marred what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for her, stating it "ruined one of the happiest days of my life." The kiss ignited a media frenzy and spurred extensive discussions regarding sexism within the realm of Spanish soccer and beyond, catalyzing elements of Spain's #MeToo movement.During her testimony, Hermoso recounted her shock and offense at Rubiales' actions, explaining that she had neither desired nor anticipated such an encounter. "I felt disrespected," the 34-year-old athlete asserted, reflecting on the distress provoked by his actions and the subsequent pressure she faced from Rubiales and other officials to defend him publicly after the incident led to widespread condemnation on social media. Rubiales, 47, could potentially face two and a half years in prison if convicted, while three additional former officials, including Jorge Vilda, the coach, are also on trial for their alleged coercive behavior, facing up to 18 months each. Hermoso maintains that the kiss was non-consensual, a claim that Rubiales has vehemently refuted. "I couldn’t react — it was a thousandth of a second," she recalled, illustrating the psychological burden the episode has placed on her since that fateful moment.
