Ricky Martin Sues Nephew For $20 Million In Extortion Lawsuit

Ricky Martin has filed a lawsuit against his nephew who accused him of domestic violence and incest. As we reported in July, Martin’s 21-year-old nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, voluntarily dismissed the would-be case. In a statement shared at the time, Martin’s legal team said, "Just as we had anticipated, the temporary protection order was not extended by the court. The accuser confirmed to the court that his decision to dismiss the matter was his alone, without any outside influence or pressure."

The legal team went on to say that it was at his nephew's request to dismiss the case. “This was never anything more than a troubled individual making false allegations with absolutely nothing to substantiate them. We are glad that our client saw justice done and can now move forward with his life and his career.”

In the new lawsuit filed Wednesday (September 7), per a report from CBS News, Martin’s team argues that these ultimately retracted allegations cost the singer millions in income. The amount of damages is reported to be $20 million in missed earnings.

"The present case is about a world-famous artist, who is being persecuted, besieged, harassed, stalked and extorted by a maladjusted person, whose interest is to obtain an economic benefit or, in the alternative, will continue his eagerness to assassinate the reputation and integrity of the artist," the suit claims. "The situation has continued despite the Defendant voluntarily withdrawing from an action he had commenced against Plaintiff based on falsehoods, during which he admitted under oath that he had never been sexually assaulted by Plaintiff."

Detailed in the suit are multiple instances in which Martin’s nephew proceeded to continue sending threatening messages to the singer after the restraining order withdrawal. Some of those threats included demanding money in exchange for ceasing a “campaign to assassinate his reputation” through the sharing of false claims.

Ricky Martin is a lot of things:  A singer, actor, author, husband, father, and a former boy band member. He's also incredibly polished and stylish. To celebrate his birthday, let's look over his best looks over the past few years.