Was the World Cup kiss an act of joy or assault?

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The World Cup Kiss: An Expression of Joy or Sexual Assault?

The trial of former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales centres on whether a kiss he gave player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's World Cup victory constituted an act of "uncontrollable joy" or sexual assault. Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault and coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to downplay the incident. Rubiales' defence has argued that the kiss, while perhaps inappropriate, was an expression of immense happiness and that Hermoso consented.
Defence Argues Kiss Was Uncontrollable Joy, Not Criminal

Luis Rubiales' lawyer, Olga Tabau, urged the court to acquit the former football official, characterising the kiss as an "expression of uncontrollable joy" rather than a criminal act. Tabau acknowledged that the behaviour might have been inappropriate, stating, "Is this inappropriate behaviour? Yes. Criminal? No." She further suggested that Rubiales was acting like "just another player" rather than the federation president, and that he has since apologised for his conduct.
Hermoso Testifies to Feeling Disrespected and Violated

Jenni Hermoso, the player at the centre of the trial, told the court that she felt "disrespected" by the non-consensual kiss, asserting that such an act "should not happen in any social or work setting." Her teammates testified that she was visibly upset after the incident, describing her as crying and feeling "overwhelmed," which prevented her from enjoying the team's subsequent celebrations. Prosecutors maintain that the kiss was non-consensual and that victims of sexual assault should not be expected to exhibit a specific reaction.
Rubiales Claims Hermoso Consented to the Kiss

During his testimony, Luis Rubiales stated he was "totally sure" that Jenni Hermoso consented to the kiss. He recounted that Hermoso had squeezed him tightly and lifted him, and that he had asked for permission to kiss her, receiving an "OK" in response. While Rubiales conceded that his behaviour on the podium was a "mistake" and "not appropriate," he denied that any offence had been committed.
Prosecutors Seek Prison Sentence for Sexual Assault and Coercion

The prosecution is seeking a sentence of one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion against Rubiales, totalling two and a half years in prison. Additionally, former women's national team coach Jorge Vilda and two other former federation officials are accused of coercing Hermoso, with prosecutors seeking 18-month jail terms for them. The intense public scrutiny and subsequent investigation led to Rubiales' resignation in September 2023, after FIFA had already suspended him.

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Was the World Cup kiss an act of joy or assault?

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