Yahoo Movies Black Panther 2's Tenoch Huerta quits Netflix movie following sexual assault allegation
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual assault allegations.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Tenoch Huerta has confirmed his exit from Netflix movie Fiesta en la Madriguera after a sexual assault claim was made against him.
The script for the upcoming Netflix production comes from Oscar winner Nicolás Giacobone and is based on a book by Juan Pablo Villalobos.
Musician María Elena Ríos recently accused Huerta of sexual misconduct via a Twitter thread, claiming the actor is a "sexual predator" and "violator". However, Huerta has denied the allegations.
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Since the allegations arose, Huerta has now announced he’s quit his role in Fiesta en la Madriguera.
"Given the impact of the recent false statements by María Elena Ríos and the damage they have caused, I have no choice but to withdraw from participating in the film Fiesta en la Madriguera," he wrote in a statement, via Variety. "It is with great sadness that I do this, but I cannot allow her actions to harm not only me, but also the work of dozens of talented and hard-working people involved in the project.
"My focus now is simple: continue the process of restoring my reputation."
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Huerta previously denied the allegations against him, in a statement (via Variety) where he said that he dated the musician for "several months", but insisted the relationship was "entirely consensual at all times".
"After it ended, however, Elena began to misrepresent our interactions both privately and in front of groups of mutual friends," he explained. "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.
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"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."
Marvel has not yet commented on the allegations made against Huerta, or whether the actor will appear in future projects within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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