The Troubled Side Of Ricky Martin

This article contains references to mental health issues, substance use, child abuse, sexual assault, incest, and domestic violence.

Ricky Martin is a globally recognized artist who boasts chart-topping hits. But the glitz and glamour of his life on stage haven't always translated to his personal life. Martin's life behind closed doors has been riddled with personal struggles, some of which have been broadcast to the world. Speaking about his sexuality, he told The Guardian that he felt isolated in living his sexual orientation alone. Publicly coming out subsequently had a profound impact on his life, and gave him a loving community of support. "I feel liberated," he said. "I feel in touch with myself."

After proudly announcing to the world that he was gay, Martin rode a wave of success. Sadly, his career fizzled down once again and he left the limelight while putting his energy into raising his family. According to US Weekly, the Puerto Rican performer is a family man whose focus in recent years has been on his husband, Swedish painter Jwan Yosef, and their four children, twins Matteo and Valentino, daughter Lucia, and son Renn.

That's not to say that he hasn't still been in the headlines — and not always for the best. As the troubled side of Martin shows, as much as he's managed to rise above some of his own personal issues, he's also faced some heavy accusations throughout his career. These are some of the challenges the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer has experienced throughout his long career, as well as the severe allegations he's faced.

Coming out as a gay man was a huge step for Ricky Martin, and that moment didn't come easily. The star admitted that he was confused about his own sexuality for years and that it took him quite some time to fully understand his orientation. "Sexuality is one complicated thing," he said. "It's not black and white. It's filled with colors. When I was dating women, I was in love with women. It felt right, it felt beautiful,"  Martin told People. "You can't fake chemistry — the chemistry was there with them. I wasn't misleading anyone."

It wasn't until Martin took time away and threw himself into writing his own autobiography that he was able to fully embrace his sexuality. As he told "Proud Radio," he was still questioning whether he was gay or bisexual while he was figuring out how to put his life experiences and feelings into words. Ultimately he concluded, "Either is okay, just go within and do not lie to yourself." 

In 2010, the singer wrote an open letter on his website (via The Guardian) where he proudly came out as gay, stating, "I am very blessed to be who I am." Martin recalled the moment he felt free to be his authentic self,  "I said, 'Rick, you are a very fortunate homosexual man. You are gay.' And I wrote it and I pressed send, and then I cried like crazy. And I've been super happy ever since," he told "Proud Radio."

Ricky Martin has graced some of the biggest stages in the world and has entertained thousands of screaming, adoring fans along the way. Yet the seasoned artist apparently experiences significant anxiety in social situations. During a June 2021 interview with People, the singer admitted to feeling socially awkward and experiencing insecurity. He also revealed that there's something different about being in more intimate environments that trigger the star. "I'm at peace with performing in front of 30,000 people and feel like the king of the world," he explained. "But then I walk into a small room at an intimate gathering, and someone will say, 'Hey Rick, sing a song for us!' and that creates such anxiety."

Martin's fears were amplified during the initial quarantine of the Covid-19 pandemic. Being forced to isolate was overwhelming for Martin, who posted a candid message on his Instagram Stories (via Hola!), describing his feelings. "The first two weeks were incredibly overwhelming for me," he wrote. "I felt paralyzed, the grief was intense. I was going through all the phases: denial, anger, sadness, acceptance and then I returned to denial in an hour." As he told People, Martin continues to work on his ability to manage daily stress and apprehension and avoids potential places that might trigger his anxiety. "I'm super socially awkward but today, well the difference is that I know I'm socially awkward," he shared.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

In spite of massive fame and fortune, Ricky Martin abandoned his career at the height of his success. The former "General Hospital" star recalled being bored and angry at a time that he realized he should have been soaking up his good fortune. In an interview with People (via Today), Martin explained his emotional turmoil. "There was a moment [in 2002] when I was onstage and I was just so angry," he said. "I thought, 'Something is wrong. I have the applause, I have a great band behind me, I live comfortably ... I was starting to become a victim of fame." He added that he felt frustrated at being unable to feel joy at such a momentous point in his career, which led him to leave his career entirely in search of a more balanced life. 

Having disconnected himself from that world, Martin found ways to plug back into his own needs. He told Rolling Stone that he learned Kriya yoga in India and practices the techniques for 20-40 minutes a day. "Nowadays, it's all about silence. Before, I'd walk into a room and turn on the TV even if I wasn't watching, because I needed company. The noise. It became a drug — a hard habit to break. Now, I walk into my room and silence," he said. "Every morning is sacred. I have breakfast in silence — nobody around me — and I meditate."

In 2022, Ricky Martin's former manager, Rebecca Drucker, caused waves when she filed a $3 million lawsuit against the star for allegedly failing to adequately pay her, per an apparent verbal contract between the two. According to Deadline, the manager believes she is entitled to unpaid commissions that range from 5% to 10%. Documents she filed in court indicated that she was Martin's manager from 2014 – 2018 and again from 2020-2022. They specify, "Martin completely and maliciously refused to pay Rebecca the millions of dollars in commissions that he owes her under their management agreement."

Per People, the papers filed in court allege that Drucker helped Martin to secure recording contracts and sponsorship deals. She also supported him professionally with whatever he needed. The documents state, "With Rebecca at his side, Martin made millions of dollars and therefore owes Rebecca substantial commissions." The star has not yet issued a public response to these allegations.

This isn't the first time Martin has faced such legal trouble. In 2004, another of the performer's former managers, Angelo Medina, similarly sued him for breach of contract. The countersuit was filed a month after the "She Bangs" singer had sued Medina over an alleged $2.5 million that Martin said he was owed. According to Billboard, the two appeared to amicably reach a confidential settlement at the end of that year and even shared a hug during a press conference at the court.

Ricky Martin found himself wading through some very murky water in 2022. On July 3, the New York Post reported that he was accused of domestic violence by an anonymous petitioner who had requested a temporary restraining order against him. Twelve days later, Marca reported that it was Martin's 21-year-old nephew who had raised the allegations, which included incest. Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, Martin's nephew, alleged that the two had been intimately involved for seven months. After ending his relationship with Martin, the singer was alleged to have continued showing up at his nephew's residence, despite being unwelcome. Under Puerto Rican law, serious allegations such as this can result in 50 years behind bars. 

Per TODAY, Martin's attorney, Marty Singer, released a statement denying all allegations, and suggesting Sanchez had mental health issues. This position was backed by the star's younger brother, Eric Martin, who claimed in a Facebook Live video (via Daily Mail) that his nephew had a troubled history.

On July 21, Sanchez requested that the restraining order be dismissed and that he didn't wish to pursue the case any further. It was stated that he did this of his own volition, per CNBC. In a video statement published by ET, the singer acknowledged how difficult this time had been for himself and his loved ones. "To the person that was claiming this nonsense, I wish him the best," he said. "And I wish he finds the help to start a new life."

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.