Ricky Martin Files $20M Lawsuit Against His Nephew

Ricky Martin is reportedly suing his nephew Dennis Yadiel Sanchez for $20 million over the 21-year-old's sexual abuse allegations. In documents obtained by the New York Post and the publication on Wednesday, September 7, Ricky lodged the action against Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, claiming his nephew was attempting to "assassinate" the performer's reputation.

According to TMZ, which was the first to report the lawsuit, the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer filed the suit in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A month after Dennis withdrew his restraining order against the pop star, Ricky claims his nephew began sending him messages through Instagram, threatening to "assassinate his reputation and integrity" if he didn't give him cash.

Ricky additionally claims in his suit Dennis, whom he described as a "maladjusted individual," boasted about being his nephew and would send him messages up to 10 times a day for a four-month period. The singer alleges Dennis posted his mobile number on the web and made an Instagram account for one of his children, leaving the father-of-four shaken.

Ricky also believes he has missed out on lucrative business opportunities, the suit states, and is looking for $20 million (£17.4 million) in damages. The singer, who has kids Valentino and Matteo, both 14, and Lucia and Renn, both three, with husband Jwan Yosef, alleges he and his family feel "unsafe" in Puerto Rico due to Dennis' alleged behavior.

Page Six said a representative for Ricky did not immediately return its request for comment on the filing. Ricky explained in a video posted in July why he had not addressed Dennis' allegations of incestuous relations when they first came out, despite his team vehemently denying the "false and fabricated" claims at the time.

"For two weeks, I was not allowed to defend myself because I was following the procedure, where the law… obligated me not to talk until I was in front of the judge. Thank God these claims were proven to be false, but I'm going to tell you the truth, it has been so painful and devastating for me, for my family, for my friends," he said. "I don't wish this upon anybody," Ricky said.

Dennis, the son of Ricky's half-sister Vanessa Martin, previously alleged he and his uncle were in a seven-month relationship and claimed Ricky stalked him at his house after they broke up two months ago.

originally reported by ACE showbiz