Marvel star Tenoch Huerta responds to sexual assault allegations, calling them "simply untrue"

Marvel star Tenoch Huerta has responded to the allegations of sexual assault he faces, categorically denying them.

This week, MCU star Tenoch Huerta, who played King Namor in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, faced allegations of sexual assault made by musician María Elena Ríos. In a series of damning tweets, Ríos said: “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. Charming in appearance, the great hallmark of a narcissist [plus] a good helping of victimisation,” tweeted Ríos (translated by Google).

The musician continued: "'And why didn't you report?' They say [to] those who live in a macho country, where justice is unattainable, where they almost kill you and still they don't believe you or justice comes. And no, I don't want to be famous. And no, I don't want money because I know how to work.”

However, as reported by IGN, in the latest development of this story, Tenoch Huerta has now responded to the allegations made against him. In a statement issued to the press, Huerta said that the allegations are “false and completely unsubstantiated accusations about me have spread like wildfire – and I cannot let it go unchallenged any longer.” Huerta said that he dated Ríos for several months and stated that the relationship was “entirely consensual at all times,” adding that the relationship ended as Ríos began to “misrepresent our interactions”.

The statement continued: “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. 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.”

Tenoch Huerta is not the first MCU star to face allegations. Earlier this year, Jonathan Majors, who plays Kang the Conqueror, was accused of domestic assault which resulted in the actor being dropped from his talent agency.

If you or anyone you know needs information or support on being a survivor of abuse, please visit charity organisations such as Women’s Aid and/or Mankind. Information related to mental health support can also be found on Safe in Our World.