Ricky Martin said that he’s ready to move on from the “devastating” experience he’s had to endure over the past two weeks after he was accused by his nephew of incest and domestic violence.
In a video obtained by Entertainment Tonight, the 50-year-old Latin music superstar opened up about his recent ordeal, thanked his friends and “all the fans who always believed in me,” and said that his priority is now “to heal.”
On Thursday, a judge in Puerto Rico declined to extend a temporary restraining order against the singer that was issued on July 5, after his 21-year-old nephew alleged that the two had had a romantic relationship for seven months and that Martin refused to accept the separation.
“The accuser confirmed to the court that his decision to dismiss the matter was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure, and the accuser confirmed he was satisfied with his legal representation in the matter,” Martin’s defense team said in a statement.
Following the hearing, which was held virtually, the Grammy Award-winning performer shared on Twitter his lawyers’ statement, adding that “truth prevails.”
Later that day, he went into more detail about his experience in a video, speaking directly to the camera and explaining why he hadn’t made any public comments about the case.
“I’m in front of the cameras today because I really need to talk in order for me to start my healing process,” a visibly emotional Martin began.
“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 a judge,” he added.
Martin, a married father of four, went on to discuss the enormous toll the accusations took 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, it has been devastating for me, for my family, for my friends. I don’t wish this upon anybody,” he said.
Martin also addressed his accuser, without mentioning his nephew’s name.
“To the person that was claiming this nonsense, I wish you the best. And I wish he finds the help so he can start a new life filled with love and truth and joy and he doesn’t hurt anybody else,” he said adding that his priority now is “to heal.”
“And how do I heal? With music,” he said. “I cannot wait to be back on stage. I cannot wait to be back in front of cameras and entertain, which is what I do best,” added Martin, who will make his debut at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles this weekend, performing with the Los Angeles Philarmonic.
“Thank you to all my friends. Thank you to all the fans who always believed in me. You have no idea the strength that you gave me with every comment you wrote on social media. I wish you love and light and here we come with the same strength and passion,” he added. “God bless you all.”
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