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As more information comes light, Yankees legendary closer Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara face serious allegations of misconduct and negligence in a recent civil lawsuit filed in Westchester County, New York. The lawsuit, filed by anonymous plaintiffs identified as "Jane A Doe" and "Mother A Doe," details disturbing claims of sexual abuse and institutional cover-up within the Refuge of Hope Church.
The complaint centers on events from a 2018 summer internship in Gainesville, Florida, organized through the church's affiliated Ignite Life Center. According to court documents, Clara Rivera allegedly persuaded the plaintiff's mother to allow her teenage daughter to participate in the program. During this internship, the plaintiff claims she was repeatedly sexually abused by another minor, referred to as "MG," through inappropriate physical contact.
When the victim initially reported the abuse to her mother, the complaint alleges that the Riveras were informed but failed to take appropriate action. Instead of addressing the situation, they reportedly isolated and intimidated the young victim to maintain silence, prioritizing the church's reputation over the child's well-being.
The allegations extend beyond the initial incident. The lawsuit claims that after returning to New York, the abuse continued during a barbecue hosted by the Riveras at their former Rye home. Notably, this event was exclusively for minor camp attendees, with parents deliberately excluded—a detail that raises significant concerns about supervision and protection.
Furthermore, the complaint suggests a pattern of negligence, citing another alleged sexual abuse incident in 2021 involving an adult male youth leader connected to the church. The plaintiffs argue that the Riveras consistently failed to implement adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals within their religious community.
Rivera, who transitioned from his illustrious MLB career to become the lead pastor of Refuge of Hope Church, and his wife Clara, who manages the church's daily operations, have not publicly responded to these grave accusations. The lawsuit alleges systematic failures in church leadership, claiming the Riveras falsely represented their church environment as safe and morally sound.
This legal action underscores the critical importance of institutional accountability in preventing and addressing sexual abuse, particularly within religious organizations. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting vulnerable individuals and the significant responsibilities held by community leaders.
