Rubiales Trial Highlights Hermoso's Testimony on Non-Consensual Kiss

Jenni Hermoso testified in Madrid against former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, asserting that the kiss he gave her during the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony was non-consensual and had marred one of her happiest moments. Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault and coercion, accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly claim the kiss was consensual, which she refused. During her testimony, Hermoso detailed the incident, stating, "I didn't hear or understand anything," and that Rubiales grabbed her by the ears before kissing her. The trial is expected to shed light on the broader implications of this incident, which has ignited a national movement against sexism in sports, leading to protests and strikes from Spanish players. Rubiales, who was banned from football for three years following the incident, denies the charges, claiming the kiss was consensual and without malice. The prosecution is seeking a potential prison sentence for Rubiales as the trial continues, with several key witnesses, including Hermoso's teammates, set to testify.