Mariano Rivera and Wife Clara Accused of Ignoring Child Sex Abuse Allegations at Church and Home

Mariano Rivera, the esteemed former New York Yankees closer, and his wife, Clara, are facing serious allegations of covering up the sexual abuse of a minor associated with their church, Refuge of Hope, in New Rochelle, New York.

A lawsuit filed last week in the Supreme Court of Westchester County alleges that the Riveras failed to protect a young girl, referred to as “Jane Doe,” from sexual abuse that occurred during a 2018 summer internship at the Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida—an affiliate of their church. The plaintiff claims that Clara Rivera encouraged her to attend the internship, during which she was allegedly abused by an older female camper, identified as “MG,” in the camp’s dormitory and showers.

The lawsuit further asserts that after Jane Doe’s mother raised concerns about her daughter’s safety, Clara Rivera assured her that they would investigate the situation during their visit to the camp. However, upon their arrival, both Mariano and Clara Rivera allegedly isolated Jane Doe and pressured her to remain silent to protect the church’s reputation.

In August 2018, during a barbecue at the Riveras’ home in Rye, New York, the same camper was invited and reportedly abused Jane Doe again. Additionally, in 2021, Jane Doe claims she was sexually assaulted by the adult son of an associate pastor at Refuge of Hope.

The lawsuit contends that the Riveras misrepresented their church and its activities as safe and moral, despite being aware of the risks involved. Mariano Rivera, who played for the Yankees from 1995 to 2013 and is celebrated as one of the greatest closers in MLB history, has not publicly commented on the allegations.

The Riveras are not named as defendants in the lawsuit but are accused of failing to take sufficient action to end the sexual abuse of Jane Doe. The legal complaint seeks unspecified damages and highlights the need for accountability and protection within religious organizations.

As this is an ongoing legal matter, representatives for the Riveras and Refuge of Hope have not issued any public statements regarding the allegations. The case underscores the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals within community and religious settings.