New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara Rivera, are facing allegations in a lawsuit related to the sexual abuse of a young girl during a summer camp trip organized by their church. The lawsuit claims the couple failed to protect the child and later discouraged her from speaking out about the abuse. While their attorney has denied these claims, the case has raised serious concerns about child safety in church-affiliated programs.
Lawsuit Details and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in January 2024, accuses the Riveras of failing to take action when they became aware of concerns about the girl’s safety. The complaint states that in 2018, Clara Rivera convinced a church member to send her daughter to a camp at Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida. While at the camp, the girl, then 10 or 11 years old, was allegedly sexually abused multiple times by an older female camper in an unsupervised dorm room.
Although the child did not initially report the abuse, her mother became worried after a phone call with her daughter. She raised her concerns with Clara Rivera, who, along with Mariano Rivera, traveled to Florida to investigate. However, the lawsuit alleges that instead of taking appropriate action, the couple “isolated and intimidated” the victim to keep quiet.
Further Allegations of Negligence
According to the lawsuit, the girl returned to New York after the camp but continued attending the Refuge of Hope Church. Later that summer, during a barbecue at the Riveras’ home, she was allegedly abused again by the same individual from the camp. Despite this, the Riveras reportedly took no steps to protect her or ensure justice was served.
The lawsuit also states that in 2021, the girl was sexually assaulted again—this time by a male youth leader at the same church. Her mother later discovered months of inappropriate electronic communications between them, leading to police reports being filed in both New York and Florida. However, no criminal charges have been confirmed in relation to any of the alleged incidents.
Response from the Riveras’ Legal Team
Joseph A. Ruta, the attorney representing Mariano and Clara Rivera, strongly denied the allegations. He emphasized that the couple had no prior knowledge of the abuse and only became aware of the claims in 2022, after receiving a letter requesting a financial settlement. Ruta also highlighted the Riveras’ long history of charitable work, especially their dedication to helping underprivileged children, suggesting that they were being unfairly targeted.
Meanwhile, Ignite Life Center, the Florida church where the initial abuse allegedly occurred, has not responded to inquiries. However, the church has previously settled lawsuits involving other cases of sexual abuse. Two individuals connected to the church have also faced criminal charges related to inappropriate conduct with minors.
The lawsuit against the Refuge of Hope Church raises significant concerns about the protection of children in religious organizations. While the Riveras themselves are not named as defendants, the allegations suggest they failed to take necessary actions to protect the victim.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further legal action will be taken or if additional evidence will emerge. Regardless, the lawsuit highlights the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring accountability in faith-based institutions.
