Overview

• A lawsuit filed in New York alleges that Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara failed to protect a young girl from sexual abuse at events connected to their Refuge of Hope Church.
• The lawsuit claims the couple isolated and intimidated the victim to remain silent about abuse that occurred during a 2018 church-affiliated summer camp and a barbecue at their former home.
• The Riveras' lawyer asserts that the allegations are baseless, stating the couple only became aware of the accusations in 2022 through a financial settlement request.
• The plaintiff, now 17, alleges multiple instances of abuse, including by an older minor and later by an adult youth leader at the church, and seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
• The Riveras, known for their philanthropic work and involvement in youth programs, deny any wrongdoing, emphasizing their commitment to protecting children.