Allegations Against Mariano Rivera and Wife Clara Rivera
New York Yankees icon Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara Rivera, a pastor at Refuge of Hope Church, are facing serious allegations following a lawsuit filed this month. The lawsuit accuses the couple of failing to protect a young girl who was sexually abused by an older child during a church camp trip in 2018. The attorneys for the girl claim that instead of taking action, the Riveras allegedly “isolated and intimidated” the victim into silence about her traumatic experiences, including the abuse.
Joseph A. Ruta, the legal representative for the Riveras, vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the couple had no knowledge of the abuse until 2022 when they received a letter from an attorney seeking a financial settlement. Ruta emphasized the Riveras’ dedication to charitable work, particularly in supporting underprivileged children, and deemed the accusations as false.
Details of the Allegations
According to the complaint, the young girl, born in 2007, was persuaded by Clara Rivera to attend a camp at Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida, during the summer of 2018. While staying in an unsupervised dorm room, the girl was reportedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse by an older female camper. The abuse allegedly occurred in various locations, including the girl’s bunk and a shower, leading to a disturbing pattern of misconduct.
The lawsuit highlights that the victim’s mother, concerned about her daughter’s safety, reached out to Clara Rivera, who offered to investigate the matter. However, despite receiving concerning information during the investigation, the Riveras purportedly chose to remain silent to avoid tarnishing the church’s reputation with a scandal of child sexual abuse.
Subsequent Abuses and Legal Action
Following the initial abuse in 2018, the victim was once again assaulted during a congregational barbecue at the Riveras’ residence in Rye, New York, by the same individual. The lawsuit contends that despite being made aware of the abuse, the Riveras failed to take necessary steps to protect the girl or pursue criminal justice on her behalf. In 2021, the girl faced another assault by a male youth leader at Refuge of Hope, as revealed by electronic communications discovered by her mother.
Adam Horowitz, the attorney representing the victim, highlighted the Riveras’ alleged negligence in mitigating risks and ensuring the girl’s safety. The lawsuit was filed against the Refuge of Hope church itself, not directly against the Riveras, raising questions about accountability and safeguarding vulnerable individuals within religious organizations.
In light of these disturbing revelations, questions arise about the responsibility of church leaders, the handling of abuse allegations, and the protection of minors in religious settings. The legal proceedings surrounding this case underscore the importance of thorough investigations, accountability, and safeguarding mechanisms to prevent such appalling incidents from recurring in the future.
