Ricky Martin has broken his silence hours after his nephew withdrew allegations of incest and harassment against him Thursday.
The singer, 50, said he was not allowed to address the “painful” and “devastating” claims made against him due to legal procedures in a video message shared with TMZ, adding that his “priority is to heal.”
“I’m in front of the cameras today because I really need to talk in order for me to start my healing process.” He added that for two weeks, he was not “allowed to defend” himself because “a procedure where the law obligated” to not discuss the case until he was before a judge.
“Thank God [these] claims were proven to be false, but I’m going to tell you the truth,” he continued, “It has been so painful. It has been devastating for me, for my family, for my friends. I don’t wish this upon anybody.”
Martin said he wished his nephew, 21, the best. “To the person that was claiming this nonsense, I wish him the best. And I wish he finds the help so he can start a new life filled with love and truth and joy and he doesn’t hurt anybody else.”
His priority now is “to heal,” adding, “And how do I heal? With music.”
“I cannot wait to be back on stage,” said the singer. “I cannot wait to be back in front of the cameras, and entertain, which is what I do best. Thank you to all of my friends. Thank you to all the fans who always believed in me. You have no idea the strength that you gave me with every comment you wrote on social media. I wish you love and light.”
Martin’s nephew obtained a domestic violence restraining order against him in his native Puerto Rico earlier this month, accusing him of frequently calling and loitering around his residence following their separation. His nephew alleged they dated for seven months, accusations Martin has vehemently denied. Marty Singer, an attorney for Martin, previously told EW the claims were “untrue” and would be dismissed as soon as it landed in front of a judge.