Mariano Rivera, a legendary figure in New York Yankees history, and his wife, Clara, are facing a serious lawsuit concerning allegations of failing to protect a young girl from sexual abuse during a summer camp trip organized by their church. The lawsuit, filed recently, claims that Rivera and Clara, who serves as a pastor at the Refuge of Hope Church, did not take adequate steps to safeguard the child after concerns were raised by her mother about her safety during an event in 2018.
The complaint details that Clara Rivera had arranged for the young girl to attend the camp at Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida. It alleges that while staying in an unsupervised dorm, the girl was subjected to multiple instances of sexual abuse by an older female camper. Although the girl did not initially report the abuse, her mother, upon speaking with her, expressed significant concerns to Clara Rivera, who allegedly promised to investigate.
The Riveras reportedly traveled to Florida but, according to the lawsuit, chose to intimidate the victim into silence rather than addressing the allegations seriously. Their attorney has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that the couple only became aware of the claims in 2022 when approached for a financial settlement. He highlighted their commitment to charity and service, especially towards underprivileged children, calling the lawsuit’s allegations “completely false.”
The lawsuit notes that after returning to New York, the girl was again abused at a barbecue hosted by the Riveras, and she subsequently faced more abuse from a male youth leader affiliated with the Refuge of Hope in 2021. Both instances of abuse, according to her attorney, have been reported to police.
Clara Rivera’s alleged inaction has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols in place at the church and camp, especially in light of previous lawsuits filed against Ignite Life Center related to abuse cases. The Riveras themselves have not been named in those prior lawsuits, but the actions of the church and its staff remain under scrutiny.
While this situation is undeniably distressing, it highlights the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children in community settings. The hope going forward is that these allegations will lead to greater awareness and reform in how organizations handle claims of abuse, ensuring that the safety of children is prioritized.