“Rubiales: The Gesture Toward Hermoso Was Identical to the One I Share with My Daughter”

The controversial kiss between former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales and Barcelona Femení legend Jenni Hermoso continues to be a topic of debate, as Rubiales himself adds to the ongoing discourse. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales attempted to clarify the incident and address the growing controversy surrounding it.

Rubiales was emphatic in stating that the kiss he shared with Jenni Hermoso held no harmful intent, sexual connotation, or aggression. He sought to emphasize that the significance of the gesture to Hermoso was akin to the affectionate affection one might express towards a family member or close friend. In his view, such expressions of warmth and camaraderie are common within the context of personal relationships.

“I want to say that, Piers, again, I made a mistake, I apologize, but let’s be clear, under no circumstance is this sexual aggression,” Rubiales stressed, hoping to dispel any insinuations of misconduct.

However, despite Rubiales’ efforts to downplay the incident, it remains a point of contention. The public nature of the kiss and the perceived lack of mutual consent have been central to the debate. Many argue that intimate emotions should be kept private and that any public display of affection, regardless of intent, should be treated with caution.

The incident in question occurred when Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed Jenni Hermoso during the World Cup final ceremony, an action that garnered widespread attention and mixed reactions. Despite Rubiales’ assertions of mutual consent, Hermoso publicly expressed her discomfort with the incident.

In the wake of this controversy, Luis Rubiales announced his resignation as the president of the Spanish Football Association (FA). Furthermore, FIFA imposed a 90-day ban on Rubiales, prohibiting him from engaging in any football-related activities.

The incident and its aftermath serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries and ensuring that any gestures of affection or camaraderie are conducted with mutual consent and consideration for the feelings of others. It also underscores the consequences that public figures may face for actions that are perceived as inappropriate or controversial in the public eye.