Trial against Ricky Martin dropped

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Singer Ricky Martin

Photo: SARAH MEYSSONNIER / REUTERS

The court case against pop star Ricky Martin in his native Puerto Rico has been dropped, according to media reports.

The applicant, a 21-year-old nephew of Martin, has refrained from pursuing the case, the newspaper El Nuevo Día reported after a court hearing via video conference on Thursday in San Juan, citing a lawyer for Martin.

At the beginning of July, a judge had issued a protective order with reference to the law against domestic violence against the 50-year-old ("Livin' La Vida Loca").

According to media reports, the background was allegations by the nephew.

He had therefore stated that he had had a seven-month relationship with his famous relative.

He ended it, which Martin did not accept.

The singer and actor called frequently and was seen near his nephew's home at least three times, local media quoted a court document as saying.

The nephew feared for his safety.

Martin had written on Twitter that the protective order was based on "completely false allegations".

His attorney, Marty Singer, told Billboard magazine that Martin had never, and will never, have had a sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew — the idea was disgusting.

"We all hope this man gets the help he so desperately needs," Singer said of the nephew.

Martin's brother, Eric Martin, said in a Facebook video that he had distanced himself from the family and had "mental problems".

lmd/dpa