Mariano Rivera, the celebrated New York Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher, and his wife, Clara Rivera, find themselves embroiled in a legal battle stemming from accusations of covering up child sexual abuse. The lawsuit, filed in the Supreme Court of Westchester County, New York, alleges a disturbing pattern of negligence and intimidation surrounding the alleged abuse of a young girl, identified as “Jane Doe,” connected to the Riveras’ church, Refuge of Hope.
The complaint centers on events that unfolded during a 2018 summer internship program at the Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida, an initiative supported by Refuge of Hope. Clara Rivera reportedly encouraged Jane Doe’s participation in the program. During the internship, Jane Doe allegedly experienced sexual abuse at the hands of an older minor girl, referred to as “MG.” The lawsuit claims that Jane Doe’s mother voiced concerns about her daughter’s safety to Clara Rivera after receiving troubling phone calls from her daughter. Clara allegedly assured the mother she would investigate the matter. Subsequently, the Riveras travelled to the Florida camp, where, according to the complaint, they “learned or should have learned information” about the alleged abuse. However, instead of taking decisive action, the lawsuit alleges the Riveras pressured Jane Doe into silence to protect the reputation of Refuge of Hope and the internship program.
The alleged abuse did not end with the conclusion of the summer camp. The lawsuit further claims that upon Jane Doe’s return, the Riveras hosted a barbecue at their former home in Rye, New York, specifically for children from the church. Disturbingly, the lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe was left unsupervised with MG at the barbecue, despite the alleged incidents in Florida. Furthermore, it’s claimed that the parents of the children, including Jane Doe’s mother, were not invited to the event. This lack of parental supervision, following the alleged prior incidents, forms a key element of the negligence claims against the Riveras.
The lawsuit accuses the Riveras of prioritizing the reputation and financial stability of their church over the safety and well-being of Jane Doe. The complaint contends that the Riveras opted for an internal handling of the situation to avoid public scrutiny, potential scandal, and financial repercussions that could arise from public disclosure of the alleged child sexual abuse. This alleged prioritization of image over child protection forms the crux of the lawsuit’s accusations against the Riveras.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, the lawsuit also implicates Ruben Tavarez Jr., the son of Refuge of Hope’s Associate Pastor, Ruben Tavarez Sr. Tavarez Jr. is accused of abusing the same girl in August 2021, three years after the initial alleged incidents. This additional accusation broadens the scope of the lawsuit beyond the Riveras and raises further questions about the environment at Refuge of Hope.
Mariano Rivera, renowned for his 19-season career as a closer for the New York Yankees, achieved remarkable success on the baseball field, including 13 MLB All-Star selections, five World Series championships, and a World Series MVP award in 1999. His illustrious career culminated in unanimous induction into the Hall of Fame in 2019, the same year he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. However, these accolades now stand in stark contrast to the serious allegations he and his wife face.
As of the latest reports, the Riveras have not publicly responded to the lawsuit and have not identified legal representation. The allegations represent a significant challenge to the Riveras’ public image and raise serious questions about their leadership within their church community. The legal proceedings will likely delve into the specifics of the alleged abuse, the Riveras’ knowledge and actions, and the overall environment at Refuge of Hope. The outcome of the case will undoubtedly have a profound impact on all involved, particularly Jane Doe and the future of Refuge of Hope.
