A new lawsuit is accusing New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, of covering up the sexual abuse of a minor that occurred during a summer internship in 2018.
The bombshell lawsuit, filed last week in the State Supreme Court in Westchester County, alleged that the Riveras did not take any action after they learned that a young girl---referred to as Jane Doe---attending a camp named Ignite Life Center had been sexually abused by an older girl---identified only as MG---who was also a minor at the time. The camp is linked to the Refuge of Hope Church, where Mariano serves as the pastor.
"Rather than take sufficient action to end the sexual abuse of Jane Doe, the Riveras each separately isolated and intimidated Jane Doe to remain silent about her abuse by MG to avoid causing trouble for Refuge of Hope and the Ignite Life Summer Internship," the lawsuit read, according to Fox News.
Covering up the Abuse
Apart from being sexually abused by MG at church, Jane Doe alleged that she was repeatedly sexually abused in the camp's dormitory and shower by the older girl, adding that the perpetrator fondled and penetrated her breasts, buttocks, and genitals.
Jane Doe's mother later spoke with Mariano's wife, Clara, who said they would investigate the sexual abuse incidents and "respond accordingly." However, the Riveras were said to have talked to Jane Doe "separately" and encouraged her to remain silent about MG's actions so as not to cause any trouble for the church and the camp.
In a separate incident, particularly in August 2018, Jane Doe attended a barbecue for children of the Refuge of Hope church held at the Riveras' residence, where she was again sexually abused by MG. No parents were invited to the event.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged that the adult son of an associate pastor abused Jane Doe from late 2021 through 2022, the New York Post reported.
How Did the Riveras Respond?
Joseph A. Ruta, an attorney for the Riveras, dismissed the allegations as "completely false." He also added that the couple is known across the state of New York for their "charitable work" and "commitment to serving underprivileged children."
The lawsuit noted that Jane Doe was born in 2007. This would mean she was around 10 or 11 years old the first time she was sexually abused.
