Mariano Rivera, wife added as defendants in child abuse lawsuit

Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees Hall of Famer, and his wife Clara have been added as defendants in a civil lawsuit alleging they covered up the sexual abuse of a minor at events linked to the Refuge of Hope Church and a summer camp in 2018. The lawsuit, originally filed in January by a girl and her mother, claims the Riveras—who served as pastors—failed to protect the girl and instead intimidated her into silence after concerns were raised about her safety. The complaint details that Clara encouraged the girl to attend a Florida summer camp affiliated with the church, where she was allegedly abused by an older minor. Attorneys for the Riveras deny the allegations, stating the couple only became aware of the accusations in 2022 after receiving a letter seeking financial settlement, and maintain that any claims of negligence are 'completely false.' The Riveras have not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing. Their attorney also emphasized the couple's longstanding reputation for charitable work and commitment to children.