Ricky Martin took legal action against his nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, on Wednesday after he wrongfully accused the star of sexual assault.
Martin, who filed a lawsuit in San Juan on Wednesday, is seeking a court order from the judge to ensure Sanchez seizes all communication with him, according to TMZ. Martin said he has been “persecuted, besieged, harassed, stalked and extorted by a maladjusted person.” The star is suing for $20 million in damages, citing that his reputation and earnings have suffered as a result of false claims Sanchez made about him, according to TMZ.
Ricky Martin says he’s been “persecuted, besieged, harassed, stalked and extorted by a maladjusted person” and he’s now suing the guy who made wild accusations against him. https://t.co/vDQIiIrc1t
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 8, 2022
In July, Sanchez claimed he was involved in a sexual relationship with Martin, and that the star refused to accept their relationship had ended. The allegation implied incest, since the two are related by blood, according to TMZ. When it came time for a court to hear the allegations, Sanchez withdrew his case and the restraining order he had requested.
Sanchez previously alleged that Martin refused to leave him alone after he ended their relationship, a statement, which Martin vehemently denied. In fact, Martin now claims it’s Sanchez that is harassing him, according to TMZ.
Martin’s new lawsuit alleges Sanchez has been sending him unwelcome messages on Instagram and threatened to “assassinate his reputation and integrity,” unless he forked over some money. He claims Sanchez is bombarding him with messages and has been sending more than 10 in a single day, for months, TMZ reported. (RELATED: Tiffany Haddish Addresses Disturbing Molestation Charges Involving A Minor)
Ricky Martin Files $20 Million Lawsuit Against Nephew Who Accused Him of Sexual Abuse https://t.co/equFCZ8TLQ
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 7, 2022
Legal documents filed by Martin also claim Sanchez posted Martin’s phone number on his Instagram account, making it widely accessible on social media, according to TMZ. Sanchez is also accused of creating a fake Instagram account in the name of one of Martin’s children.
Martin claims he has lost numerous multi-million dollar deals due to false allegations and reputation tainting at the hands of Sanchez, and is suing to compensate for his losses, TMZ reported.