Actor/singer/author Ricky Martin has filed a $20-million lawsuit against the nephew who accused him of sexual abuse, Deadline reported.
"The reckless, malicious and culpable actions by Defendant Sanchez were motivated by the desire to expose Plaintiff to hatred and disdain from his fanbase, to threaten his business opportunities and to destroy his reputation," read an eight-page complaint alleging extortion, malicious prosecution and abuse of right against "maladjusted" Dennie Yadiel Sanchez Martin in the Superior Chambers of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Claiming that Sanchez Martin continues to communicate with Martin with threats to "assassinate his reputation" unless "he is economically compensated," the complaint states that the Emmy nominated performer and his immediate family feel "unsafe in Puerto Rico" now.
On July 21, Sanchez withdrew domestic-abuse accusations against Martin. Earlier that month, a Puerto Rican judge consented to a temporary restraining order against Martin after the entertainer was accused of domestic violence.
Martin is involved in another legal battle. In late June, on-again/off-again manager Rebecca Drucker sued him for $3 million over alleged unpaid commissions. Drucker and her then Venable LLP attorney claimed the manager saved Martin from a "potentially career-ending allegation in September 2020."
Martin's full complaint against Sanchez Martin can be read at https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Demanda-final-DMP-TRADUCCION-Rev.-MM.pdf.
[UPDATE: Martin is facing new sexual-assault claims after a complaint was filed against the singer, Deadline noted. The allegations come after the Puerto Rican star sued his nephew Dennis Yadiel Sanchez Martin for making (and then retracting) similar claims.
Although the name of the person who made the allegations was not known, the Associated Press reported that it was Martin's nephew who made the filing.
Martin's attorney, Jose Andreu-Fuentes is denying the allegations.]