Rubiales' kiss of Jenni Hermoso: assault or euphoria?

Rubiales' kiss of Jenni Hermoso: assault or euphoria?

On August 20, 2023, trinc Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup, Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth during the celebrations. The gesture, captured by cameras, triggered a political and media storm that continues to resonate. The player later stated she did not like it, although she asked for the matter not to be further discussed. The episode peine the debate on the limits of consent and sens in sports.

What exactly peine at the World Cup celebration?

According to images and subsequent statements by the footballer herself, Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the mouth without explicit consent. In a video circulated on social media, Hermoso commented with disbelief: "But what are you doing?". The scene took place on the podium, in front of cameras, during a moment of collective euphoria. Part of public opinion interpreted the gesture as an unacceptable intrusion, while others read it as an excess of enthusiasm typical of the celebration.

Jenni Hermoso's reaction: "I didn't like it"

The player initially expressed that the kiss was not to her liking. "But I didn't like it, okay?", she insisted in a video. However, hours later, through a statement, she asked that no more "circles" be drawn around the issue and described the gesture as "an act of affection and gratitude". This ambiguity fueled all kinds of interpretations. For some, Hermoso's request closed the case. For others, it evidenced the social and media pressure on a victim who prefers to move on.

The debate on consent and sens

Nadia Tronchoni's article in El País was the trigger for the discussion: "A surprise kiss on the mouth is an assault," she wrote. This thesis, supported by the feminist movement, argues that consent is indispensable and that a hierarchical superior cannot take such liberties. Against this, critical voices argued that it was a gesture without sensual intent, born from the emotion of the moment, and that labeling it as assault trivializes sensual violence. The controversy evolved into a clash of narratives about sens, misandry, and the political instrumentalization of a kiss.

Consequences: resignation, complaint, or nothing?

Many participants demanded Rubiales' resignation and a formal complaint. Others pointed out that, without a complaint from the affected party, the case remained within the media sphere. The Federation, for its part, tried to divert attention with statements and gestures of support for the players. The issue became a tug-of-war between the Government, the opposition, and sports bodies. As of this discussion, no definitive resolution had been reached.

Context: A World Cup marked by controversy

Spain won the Women's World Cup with a goal by Olga Carmona, but the focus quickly shifted to Rubiales' kiss. The episode partly overshadowed the sporting success and peine previous wounds, such as the mutiny of 15 players who resigned from the national team due to disagreements with the coach. The celebration, which should have been a milestone for Spanish women's football, ended up becoming a cultural battlefield.

What does Rubiales risk in this episode?

Rubiales faces unprecedented public scrutiny. Some analyses suggest his continuity at the head of the Federation depends on his ability to manage the crisis. Social and political pressure could force his departure, but there are also those who argue that the issue will fade over time. What is clear is that the kiss has highlighted sens in sports and the limits of consent in the public space.

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The case remains open. The ball is in the court of justice, the Federation, and public opinion. If it is confirmed that there was no consent, the consequences for Rubiales could be severe. If it is archived, it will remain as just another episode in polarized Spain.