Over the weekend, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Tenoch Huerta, who played Namor in the recent Marvel Studios sequel, was hit with sexual assault allegations by saxophonist María Elena Ríos, who accused the actor of being a "sexual predator" in a series of Tweets.
The story was picked up and widely circulated online, so we were expecting some sort of response from Huerta or a representative today, and the actor has now released a statement (via Variety) categorically denying Rios' claims and calling them “false and completely unsubstantiated.”
“About a year ago, I dated Elena for several months,” Huerta wrote. “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.”
“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,” 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.”
Rios has yet to provide any additional details, and we don't know if she's actually brought charges against Huerta, but we're she will share a response of her own in due time.
“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," he added.
Huerta is (or was) expected to reprise the role of the Savage Submariner in the MCU at some point, but, like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's Jonathan Majors, we don't know if he'll remain on in the role after this.
Marvel Studios has yet to weigh in on the situation.