Luis Rubiales trial: Jenni Hermoso testifies against former RFEF boss - ESPN
Spain's World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso testified in the trial of former football federation boss Luis Rubiales on Monday, saying the kiss that triggered a national «Me Too» moment «ruined one of the happiest days of my life.»
The 34-year-old forward was the first witness to appear at Madrid's high court, with Rubiales, 47, accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Hermoso — with the help of three other men — into declaring that the kiss had been consensual.
He denies those charges.
Rubiales was seen by millions around the world grabbing Hermoso by the head and planting a kiss on her lips during the awards ceremony following the 2023 Women's World Cup final.
«He grabbed my head effusively,» Hermoso told the court on Monday. «I couldn't react. It was a thousandth of a second. I felt that it was completely out of context. I knew my boss was kissing me.
»That shouldn't happen. I felt disrespected. It ruined one of the happiest days of my life. I didn't look for that act, and nor did I expect it. I was disrespected.
«I told Alexia [Putellas] and Irene [Paredes] that Rubiales had kissed me on the mouth. Alexia said 'Unbelievable!' I felt that it wasn't normal.»
Rubiales, who will give evidence later this month, has said the gesture was consensual.
Hermoso, who was questioned first by the state prosecutor, and then by a lawyer for Rubiales' defence, outlined what she said were efforts by the RFEF to protect Rubiales in the aftermath of the kiss.
«The [team] bus stopped, and I got off. The press officers were waiting for me,» Hermoso said, describing an incident as the team travelled to the airport in Sydney.
«They showed me a cell phone with a statement. They'd written it to send to the press and to calm the commotion.