Ricky Martin Denies Incestuous Relationship With Nephew

Latin pop star Ricky Martin denied an alleged seven-month affair with his 21-year-old nephew as “untrue” and “disgusting.”

Martin, 50, was slapped with a restraining order on July 1, after he was accused of domestic violence against a previously unidentified man in Puerto Rico, who his brother eventually revealed was actually the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer’s 21-year-old nephew Dennis Yadiel Sanchez. 

Sanchez claimed that he was involved in a sexual relationship with the singer that ended badly two months ago. He filed a restraining order against his uncle, after telling law enforcement officials that Martin was spotted loitering by his house on three separate instances, and was “consuming large amounts of alcohol and drugs.”

Two days later Martin, who is married to painter Jwan Yosef, with whom he shares four children with, took to Twitter in his own defense. “The protection order entered against me is based on completely false allegations, so I will respond through the judicial process with the facts and the dignity that characterize me,” he wrote. 

The performer’s attorney, Marty Singer, denied Sanchez’s accusations in a statement on Friday. “Unfortunately, the person who made this claim is struggling with deep mental health challenges. Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew,” he detailed.

 “The idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting. We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs,” Singer continued. “But, most of all, we look forward to this awful case being dismissed as soon as a judge gets to look at the facts.”

Martin’s brother, Eric, went on Facebook Live on Friday to explain that his nephew has mental health issues and has hurt other members of their family, who he is now totally estranged from. 

Sanchez reportedly has a long criminal wrap sheet, and has previously had a restraining order taken out on him by a coworker he became “obsessed” with and threatened to murder. 

 Martin’s trial begins in Puerto Rico on July 21, and faces up to 50 years in prison if he’s convicted.  

Marie Finn