“The forced kiss of Luis Rubiales causes scandal: a preliminary investigation opened for sexual assault”
The Spanish football world is rocked by a case that has quickly been dubbed the ‘#MeToo of Spanish football’. Indeed, following the forced kiss of the boss of Spanish football, Luis Rubiales, on the player Jennifer Hermoso during the celebration of the victory of Spain at the Women’s World Cup, a preliminary investigation for sexual assault was opened by the prosecution. Spanish.
The video of the kiss quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage both in Spain and abroad. Rubiales’ move has been called by many people inappropriate, impulsive and sexist. Jennifer Hermoso herself has spoken out, saying she felt vulnerable and assaulted, and never gave her consent for the kiss.
Faced with this growing controversy, the Spanish football federation initially tried to minimize the incident by claiming that the kiss was a mutual and spontaneous gesture. However, Jennifer Hermoso refuted this version, saying that she never agreed to be kissed by Rubiales.
This case took a legal turn with the opening of a preliminary investigation into sexual assault by the Spanish public prosecutor’s office. Jennifer Hermoso was invited to get in touch with the prosecution of the National Audience in order to file a complaint if she wishes. This investigation highlights the issue of consent and respecting boundaries in the world of sport, particularly in women’s football.
The suspension of Luis Rubiales by Fifa for a period of ninety days testifies to the seriousness of this affair. The consequences are not only limited to the sporting world, since Rubiales’ mother began a hunger strike to denounce the alleged “harassment” suffered by her son.
This case highlights the need for awareness and awareness of issues of consent and respect for boundaries in the sporting environment. It is crucial to create an environment where everyone, whether players, coaches, managers or fans, feels safe and respected.
This preliminary investigation into sexual assault opens the way to a broader debate on sexism and violence in sport, and invites us to rethink practices and behaviors to guarantee a healthy and egalitarian environment for all