The return of Gonzalo Montiel to River Plate marks a chapter with a lot of media coverage not only in the sports field, but also in the social field. The right back, author of the penalty that sealed Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, returns to the club that saw him grow up after being acquitted in a case of sexual abuse. And his reinstatement has revived debates about the relationship between justice, complaints of gender violence and the public figure of footballers.
Montiel arrived at the Ezeiza Airport where he was received with enthusiasm by River fans. “I’m happy to be back home,” declared the defender. His return coincides with the recent resolution of a case where he was accused of sexual abuse, in which the Judge Gustavo Banco determined that “the reported event did not exist”pointing out the lack of evidence and the inconsistencies in the complainant’s story.
The complaint, filed in 2023 by Carolina B. and sponsored by the lawyer Raquel Hermidastated that the incident occurred during a party in 2019 at Montiel’s house. However, testimonies from assistants, psychological expertise and other elements concluded that the player was not involved. After the dismissal, Montiel decided to file a countersuit against Hermida for slander and insults.claiming that his public image and career were seriously affected by what he considers an unfounded accusation.
Feminism and media complaints
Lawyer Hermida has maintained her critical stance after the ruling, accusing the justice system of bias in favor of the footballer and ensuring that she will appeal the decision. Hermida stated on social media that the case was hindered by threats and pressure, pointing out: “There is no justice for a soccer player.” These statements, along with her active feminist militancy, have turned the case into a new scenario of social polarization.
“They threatened my family; to the victim; me; physical and death threats. They touched my car. Coercive threats so that we do not appeal a dismissal that is not firm. cowardly and misogynistic lawyers who only lie and threaten. Spain negotiated because it read the entire case. If you are from River, don’t let your daughter be near Montiel. the abusers repeat. Today there is a new complaint against Alexis Zarate. “Everything is going to come to light,” Hermida denounced on Facebook.
The responses to Hermida
On the other hand, public figures such as the writer Roxana Kreimer They questioned the role of sectors of feminism in these types of cases. Kreimer defended the principle of presumption of innocence and criticized what she called “corporate feminism,” arguing that certain practices harm both actual victims and those wrongfully reported.
The efferent feminist and author of “The failure of the right” wrote in her account on . Montiel accuses Hermida of publicly spreading false statements that affected both his family and his professional career. This case leaves an important lesson for legal professionals who, in complicity with a corporate and non-egalitarian feminism, forget the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence“No one should be publicly identified as guilty until a final sentence determines it.”
The case has also given rise to more inflammatory statements, such as those of the libertarian influencer Emmanuel Danannwho accused Hermida of taking advantage of the “feminazism” to obtain media visibility. These positions reflect a climate in which feminism, public complaints and criminal justice confront each other in a deeply politicized debate.
“Raquel Hermida Leyenda hooked herself on feminazism to make a splash and profit from the hunt for innocent men whose crime was having cock and balls. I hope that the Montiel outpost is a symbol of what is to come; what these scourges have done is not It can be free,” libertarian influencer Danann posted on X. And he added: “It should be noted that before “feminism” was the business par excellence of opportunists, Raquel Hermida Leyenda was a defender of the ‘femicide’ Daniel Belliniand his “arguments” in favor of his client consisted of denigrating the victim by treating her as a prostitute.”
The future of Montiel
Meanwhile, Montiel seeks to resume his football career in the club that formed himafter a successful passage through Europe. His return reinforces Marcelo Gallardo’s squad, who adds another world champion to his team. However, the player will have to live with the media and social impact of a case that, although resolved in court, remains open to public opinion.
The legal dispute between Montiel and Hermida could set a precedent in the relationship between complaints of gender violence, public figures and the media impact they generate. For now, Montiel’s return to River not only celebrates the return of an idol, but also exposes the cultural and social tensions around feminism, justice and football in Argentina.
by RN
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