14 Jun – "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" star Tenoch Huerta has recently denied accusations of sexual assault made by former girlfriend, María Elena Ríos. Huerta, who is most known for his role as Namor in the Marvel movie, released a statement on 12 June, following Ríos' claims that he was a sexual predator who had sexually assaulted her. Claiming that the claims were completely unsubstantiated and false, Huerta expressed, "Throughout it was a loving, warm and mutually supportive relationship. After it ended, however, Elena began to misrepresent our interactions both privately and in front of groups of mutual friends." "As a result, a few months ago, I engaged a legal team to commence the appropriate actions to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false accusations that can cause great prejudice and damage," he added.
Huerta also stated that while he is not perfect, the allegations themselves aren't true and that he has to contest the claims that are both false and offensive. "I am deeply grateful to my family and the people who have supported me and greatly appreciate everyone who is willing to look at the facts and reflect before rushing to an untrue and unjust conclusion," he added. It is noted that Ríos, a musician and activist, previously stated that it was difficult to talk about the emotional abuse and the abuse of power of a sexual predator beloved around the world.