Riveras Officially Added as Defendants in Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Florida

On April 30th, 2025, ESPN reported that Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera and his wife have been added as defendants of a civil sexual assault lawsuit that was filed early this year in New York State. The Riveras were already listed as negligent parties in the contents of the complaint. However, the amended lawsuits officially names them as defendants. Here, our West Palm Beach civil sexual assault and battery attorney provides a comprehensive overview of the allegations.

Mariano and Clara Rivera Added to Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit 

Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara have been added as defendants in a civil sexual abuse lawsuit filed in New York State. The complaint already accused the couple of negligence, but had not yet officially listed them as defendants.

The civil sexual abuse claim contends that the Riveras failed to protect a minor from sexual abuse at their church, Refuge of Hope. Clara Rivera is a pastor at the church. Notably, Refuge of Hope—which is a legal entity owned by the Riveras—was already named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit.

The Sexual Misconduct Allegedly Occurred in Florida

Refuge of Hope is based in Westchester County, New York. However, the sexual abuse at issue in this case allegedly happened in Florida. According to the complaint from the victim, Clara Rivera suggested that the girl—who was a minor and a member of the Riveras’ church in New York State—attend a summer camp internship program at an affiliated church in Florida. Refuge of Hope paid for the girl’s expenses related to the program. While she was enrolled in the program, she was allegedly sexually abused by a “much older” camp attendee. There are multiple sexual abuse incidents that are alleged. They reportedly happened in Gainesville and at a residential property owned by the Riveras in Florida.

Note: For their part, both Mariano Rivera and Clara Rivera have vehemently denied any wrongdoing. They state that they did not ignore or downplay any report of sexual misconduct.

 Sexual Abuse Victims Have the Right to Seek Justice Through a Civil Claim 

Sexual misconduct is often a crime. It can lead to serious, potentially felony criminal charges. At the same time, victims also have the right to file a civil claim against the offender and against any third parties whose negligence contributed to the abuse. That is exactly the issue in this case. The victim alleges that the Riveras—and the church that they owned—were negligent. She argues that their negligence allowed her abuse to occur at the hands of a “much older” camper.

 Speak to Our West Palm Beach, FL Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach civil sexual assault attorney is a strong advocate for victims. If you have any questions or concerns about a civil sexual abuse claim, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, completely confidential consultation. With offices in West Palm Beach and Miami, our firm works with victims throughout South Florida.

Source:

espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44940868/mariano-rivera-wife-added-defendants-sexual-abuse-suit