‘Black Panther’ Star Tenoch Huerta Denies ‘Sexual Predator’ Allegations In Statement

Black Panther star Tenoch Huerta has been accused of sexual assault by musician María Elena Ríos. 

The allegations were revealed after Rios accused Poder Prieto, an organization that aims to fight racism in the entertainment industry, of protecting Huerta. Huerta is one of the many artists who are members of the organization. 

Ríos is a former member and, according to Poder Prieto, initially accused them of not paying her for her work. Additionally, she claims that Poder Prieto uploaded an episode of El Feisbuk de la Malinche, which features the musician and never asked for her consent. 

“No le podemos pagar algo que NO es producción nuestra (We cannot pay you something that is NOT our production),” Poder Prieto tweeted. 

In response to the organization’s tweet, Ríos called Huerta a sexual predator. A fan then asked if Huerta sexually assaulted the saxophonist, to which she said, “Así es y a varias más (That’s right, and several more).” 

Huerta has come forward to refute the sexual allegations made against him. His representatives have issued a statement claiming the accusations were false after they had “spread like wildfire.”

In his statement, he explained that he and Ríos had dated for several months and that their 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,” Huerta stated.

The actor admitted that he hired a legal team to protect his reputation and “refute these irresponsible and false accusations that can cause great prejudice and damage.” 

“Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue,” he continued. “And while I will always work to improve myself, I need to contest claims that are both false and offensive.”

In addition to playing Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Huerta’s other notable roles can be seen in Narcos: Mexico as Rafael Caro Quintero, and The Forever Purge as Juan.