Teammates of Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso have testified in support of her claim of feeling overwhelmed after an alleged forced kiss by former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales.
During Mr. Rubiales' trial in Madrid, Irene Paredes, Laia Codina, and Alexia Putellas appeared, with Putellas stating that Hermoso felt "overwhelmed" and Codina mentioning that she was "sad" and "not enjoying herself."
The incident occurred when Mr. Rubiales kissed Hermoso during the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup medal ceremony in Australia, leading to protests and calls for his resignation. Despite denying any wrongdoing, the trial revealed that Hermoso felt upset by the interaction and resisted pressure to publicly claim the kiss was consensual.
Furthermore, three associates of Mr. Rubiales are also on trial, accused of collaborating in the alleged coercion. The trial continues as prosecutors seek charges against Mr. Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.