Yankees HOF Pitcher and Wife Deny Allegations of Mishandling Church Abuse Case

Yankees HOF Pitcher and Wife Deny Allegations of Mishandling Church Abuse Case

 

A lawsuit has been filed accusing Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara Rivera, of failing to protect a young girl who was sexually abused during a 2018 summer camp trip organized by their church, Refuge of Hope.

 

 

 

 

The lawsuit alleges that Clara, a pastor, convinced the girl’s mother to let her attend the camp at Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida, where the girl, then 10 or 11, was reportedly abused by an older camper in an unsupervised dormitory. After concerns were raised by the girl’s mother, the Riveras traveled to Florida to investigate. However, the suit claims they did not take action and instead discouraged the girl from speaking out.

 

 

 

 

Attorney Joseph A. Ruta, representing the Riveras, denies the allegations, stating the couple only became aware of the accusations in 2022 and that claims they ignored reports of abuse are “completely false.” Ruta emphasized the Riveras’ long-standing charitable work and said they are being targeted by untrue accusations.

 

 

 

 

 

The complaint also claims that the girl was later abused again by the same individual at a church event and, in 2021, by a male youth leader at Refuge of Hope. Reports were filed with police in New York and Florida, but no criminal charges have been confirmed. The lawsuit is directed at Refuge of Hope Church, not the Riveras personally.

 

 

 

 

Ignite Life Center, where the camp was held, has faced other abuse allegations and settled similar lawsuits in the past. Prosecutors in both states have not commented on any potential investigations.