Black Panther 2 actor Tenoch Huerta denies allegations of sexual assault
Tenoch Huerta, who plays a leading villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has denied allegations of sexual assault made against him on social media by the musician and activist María Elena Ríos.
In a statement sent to Variety and published on his Instagram, the Mexican actor, best known as the Indigenous superhero/rival Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, called Río’s claims “false and unsubstantiated”, saying “I cannot let it go unchallenged any longer.”
“About a year ago, I dated Elena for several months,” Huerta said. “It was entirely consensual at all times, as countless others can attest. And throughout it was a loving, warm and mutually supportive relationship. After it ended, however, Elena began to misrepresent our interactions both privately and in front of groups of mutual friends.”
Huerta claimed that he hired a legal team a few months ago “to commence the appropriate actions to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false accusations that can cause great prejudice and damage”, he continued. “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.”
Ríos, a professional saxophonist, accused Huerta of sexual assault in several tweets in recent days, in which she referred to him as a “sexual predator”. She has become an anti-femicide activist after being permanently maimed in a 2019 acid attack organized by her exboyfriend, an influential politician in Mexico.
Marvel has not confirmed whether Huerta will reprise his role as Namor in future Black Panther films. Huerta is not the first high-profile Marvel cast member to be publicly accused of sexual assault; in March, Jonathan Majors, who was poised to become a pre-eminent Marvel villain following the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, was charged with assault and harassment after police responded to a 911 call about a domestic dispute in Manhattan. At the time of his arrest, his defense lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, claimed that Majors was “probably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows” and said the victim was having “an emotional crisis”.
Chaudhry later released text messages intended to prove Majors’ innocence, though many advocates viewed them as consistent with the words and behavior of domestic abuse victims. The following month, Majors was dropped by his PR team and his management. His future with Marvel remains unclear.
Huerta added in his statement: “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.”
Huerta is also known for roles in Narcos: Mexico and The Forever Purge.
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html