Ricky Martin’s attorney denies allegations of incest by his 21-year-old nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez (left).
Authorities in Puerto Rico charged the 50-year-old singer/actor with incest and domestic violence against his nephew. Martin could face 50 years in prison if convicted of incest under Puerto Rico law.
Martin’s high-powered attorney Marty Singer denies the “disgusting” allegations.
“Unfortunately, the person who made this claim is struggling with deep mental health challenges,” Singer told PEOPLE exclusively in a statement. “Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew.”
He continued, “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.”
Earlier this month, a complaint was filed against Martin under Law 54, also known as the Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act. A protective order was issued to the complainant.
Police had trouble locating the pop star when they visited his home in an affluent neighborhood in Puerto Rico, NBC News reported.
According to reports, the order states that the two men were in a relationship for 7 months and broke up 2 months ago, but Martin allegedly took the breakup hard and was seen hanging around the petitioner’s house on numerous occasions, according to PEOPLE.
A hearing is scheduled for July 21, one week after Martin released his latest EP, Play.
The news comes after Martin’s ex-manager Rebecca Drucker sued him for more than $3 million in unpaid commissions, according to legal documents obtained by PEOPLE that were filed with the Los Angeles Central District Court on June 29.
Drucker’s complaint described a “potentially career-ending allegation” made against Martin in September 2020. She said Martin collapsed on the floor after reading a letter containing the allegations.
She claimed that through her intervention, Martin “emerged unscathed and proceeded with his professional resurgence.”
Martin began his career as a member of boy band Menudo in the 1980s. 13-year-old Ricky Martin, left, is pictured with Charlie Rivera, Roy Rossello, Robby Rosa, and Ray Acevedo of Menudo.
After leaving the popular boy band, Martin launched his solo career in 1991. His hit song “Livin’ La Vida Loca” made him an international pop star.
Martin shares twin sons Matteo and Valentino, 13, daughter Lucia, 3, and 2-year-old son Renn, with his life partner Jwan Yosef, 37.
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in June 2021, Martin said he wanted to “normalize” families like his.
“Every time I have the opportunity to No. 1, talk about my family and let the world know that we’re good people, and how we feel and love is really – I just wanna normalize families like mine.”
