'It’s unfortunate they are being targeted by false allegations.' Mariano Rivera's attorney responds to bombshell lawsuit
The attorney for Mariano and Clara Rivera is refuting the claims that the two knew of and covered up child abuse connected to the New Rochelle church founded by the couple.
More Stories
The attorney for former New York Yankee Mariano Rivera released a statement Thursday afternoon refuting claims that he and his wife Clara "knew about or failed to act on reports of child abuse."
The statement comes following a civil lawsuit filed in state Supreme Court in White Plains alleging that a child was sexually abused by two people affiliated with the church the Rivera's founded.
Refugio De Esperanza, also known as refugee of hope, was founded by the Rivera's in 2014. The lawsuit alleges the first incident occurred at a church affiliated with Refugio in Gainesville, Florida.
Another incident occurred at the Rivera's home in Rye, and a third incident took place at a Refugio event.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages against both the Rivera's and Refugio de Esperanza
Full statement from Joseph A. Ruta, attorney for Mariano and Clara Rivera:
"Mariano and Clara Rivera do not tolerate child abuse of any kind and allegations that they knew about or failed to act on reports of child abuse are completely false. The very first time they heard about these allegations was nearly four years after the alleged incident, when in 2022 a New York attorney sent a letter requesting a financial settlement. This was followed by a second letter in 2023, from a different Florida law firm, again requesting a financial settlement.
The lawsuit, which seeks financial damages for the Riveras’ alleged failure to act on alleged incidents that were never reported to them, is full of inaccurate and misleading statements which we have no doubt will not hold up in a court of law.
The Riveras are known throughout New York for their charitable work and especially for their commitment to serving underprivileged children. It’s unfortunate they are being targeted by false allegations."
