‘Black Panther’ star Tenoch Huerta responds to sexual assault allegations
Tenoch Huerta, best known for starring in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has denied allegations of sexual assault made against him last week.
The actor, 42, best known for starring as Namor in Marvel’s 2022 sequel, was labeled a “sexual predator” by musician and activist María Elena Ríos, who accused him of sexual assault.
Taking to Twitter Sunday, Ríos alleged that the Mexican actor abused her, writing, “It is very difficult to talk about the emotional abuse and abuse of power of a sexual predator who is loved in the world for playing a character in a movie like @TenochHuerta.”
“Charming in appearance, the great hallmark of a narcissist + a good helping of victimization,” read her tweet, translation from Spanish.
It wasn’t long before the actor issued a statement on his Instagram story, claiming that he and Ríos had a consensual relationship last year.
“A false and completely unsubstantiated accusation about me has spread like wildfire — and I cannot let it go unchallenged any longer,” he wrote Monday.
“About a year ago, I dated Elena for several months,” Huerta wrote. “It was entirely consensual at all times, as countless others can attest. And throughout it was a loving, warm and mutually supportive relationship. After it ended, however, Elena began to misrepresent our interactions both privately and in front of groups of mutual friends.”
“As a result, a few months ago, I engaged a legal team to commence the appropriate actions to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false accusations that can cause great prejudice and damage,” he went on.
“Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue. And while I will always work to improve myself, I need to contest claims that are both false and offensive.”
“I am deeply grateful to my family and the people who have supported me and greatly appreciate everyone who is willing to look at the facts and reflect before rushing to an untrue and unjust conclusion,” he added.
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Page Six has reached out to Marvel for comment.
Marvel has not yet revealed whether Huerta’s Namor will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Prior to landing a role in Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Huerta appeared in Latin American and Spanish movies.
