Ricky Martin hits back at “maladjusted” nephew with massive lawsuit
Ricky Martin has filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against his 21-year-old nephew who previously accused the singer of sexual abuse.
The suit comes a month after Martin’s nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, withdrew a restraining order laid against the 50-year-old celebrity.
Martin filed the $US 20 million suit on Wednesday, as reported by TMZ, which contains claims from Martin that his nephew is a “maladjusted individual” who would message him up to ten times a day over a four-month period, threatening to “assassinate his reputation and integrity” if he didn’t give him cash.
The Livin’ La Vida Loca singer also alleged that Sanchez shared his mobile phone number online and made an Instagram account for one of Martin’s children.
He believes he has missed out on lucrative business opportunities, according to the suit, and is seeking the hefty sum for damages.
Martin, who parents his four children with husband Jwan Yosef, said he and his family felt “unsafe” in Puerto Rico due to Sanchez’s alleged behaviour.
In July, Martin shared a clip explaining why he hadn’t addressed Sanchez’s claims the pair were in an incestuous relationship when they first emerged.
“For two weeks, I was not allowed to defend myself because I was following procedure, where the law … obligated me not to talk until I was in front of the judge,” Martin said in the clip while dressed in a suit and tie.
Sanchez, who is the son of Martin’s half-sister Vanessa Martin, alleged he and Martin were in a relationship for seven months and that his uncle stalked him at his house following their breakup.
In the video, Martin shared his relief over the dismissal of the case but noted the negative impact it had on his loved ones.
“Thank God these claims were proven to be false, but I’m going to tell you the truth, it has been so painful and devastating for me, for my family for my friends,” he said.
“I don’t wish this upon anybody.”
Image: @ricky_martin (Instagram)