Ricky Martin is set to go on trial next week.
The singer was accused of domestic violence by an unnamed victim earlier this month. However, the singer’s brother has revealed that the victim is Ricky’s own nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez – with whom he had ended a 7-month relationship despite being married. Sanchez claims that Martin engaged in physical and psychological violence against him when the relationship ended. This resulted in the charges being filed, a restraining order being issued, and a trial being set to start July 21. Domestic violence cases don’t usually face penalties as hefty as 50 years in prison, but Puerto Rico law makes it such when incest is involved.
Just a few months ago, Martin was also sued by his former manager. In the lawsuit in which seeks payments for work that went unpaid, the manager also revealed that she helped Martin avoid getting tangled in an allegation that would be career-threatening. This is likely what the manager helped Martin avoid coming to light until now. The fact that they worked so hard to suppress this from coming out only gives it more credibility.
This week, Martin released a new EP called Play – which received positive feedback from critics and fans alike. He has two shows scheduled at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles next week with the LA Philharmonic.