Singer Ricky Martin denies accusations of incestuous relationship with nephew

Longtime pop singer Ricky Martin this week strongly denied claims that he has engaged in an incetuous relationship with his nephew, with the singer's lawyer claiming that the younger man is suffering from severe mental health issues.

Spanish-language outlets reported this week that 21-year-old Dennis Yadiel Sanchez had accused his uncle of the inappropriate relationship. Sanchez had earlier reportedly filed a domestic violence-related restraining order against Martin due to the singer's allegedly hanging around his house. 

Through his attorney, Martin strongly denied the allegations, with lawyer Marty Singer claiming that "the person who made this claim is struggling with deep mental health challenges."

"Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew," Singer said. 

"We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs," Singer added. "But, most of all, we look forward to this awful case being dismissed as soon as a judge gets to look at the facts." 

Martin, meanwhile, denied the claims on Twitter as well.

"The protection order entered against me is based on completely false allegations, so I will respond through the judicial process with the facts and the dignity that characterize me," he said.