Following allegations of sexual assault made against him, actor Tenoch Huerta has released a statement denying the claims.
Over the weekend, musician María Elena Ríos took to social media to claim that Huerta had sexually assaulted her, calling him “a violator and sexual predator.” In a thread, Ríos said that “it is very difficult to talk about the emotional abuse and abuse of power of a sexual predator who is loved in the world for playing a character in a movie like Tenoch Huerta.”
She also took aim at activist organization Poder Prieto, which she claimed protected Huerta after the group (which she worked for in the past) shared a podcast featuring her.
In a statement to Variety, Huerta denied these claims, calling them “false and completely unsubstantiated.” The actor also said he wouldn’t let the claims go unchallenged for any longer.
“About a year ago, I dated Elena for several months. It was entirely consensual at all times, as countless others can attest,” said Huerta in his statement. “And 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.”
Huerta said that following their break up, he “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.”
While the actor says that he is “by no means perfect,” he calls the allegations “untrue,” but also says that he will work to improve himself while contesting the claims.
“Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue. And while I will always work to improve myself, I need to contest 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.”
Huerta rose to superstardom in his portrayal of Namor in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The actor also appeared in Narcos: Mexico, as well as in a litany of films and television series in Mexico.
