Ricky Martin Sues Nephew For Claiming Singer Abused Him; Seeks $20 Million In Damages

Ricky Martin is suing his "maladjusted" nephew after he accused the singer of incest and sexual abuse earlier this year, according to a report.

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer filed a lawsuit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday against his 21-year-old nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, accusing him of extortion, malicious persecution, abuse of law and damages stemming from false allegations of sexual abuse.

Martin is seeking at least $20 million from his nephew to compensate for the "numerous, multimillion-dollar deals" the singer allegedly lost as a result of Sanchez's accusations, TMZ reported.

Back in July, Sanchez claimed that he allegedly had a seven-month romantic relationship with Martin and that after it ended, the singer began stalking and harassing him — all of which Martin vehemently denied. Sanchez filed a restraining order against Martin but later withdrew it and admitted under oath that he had never been sexually assaulted by the artist, The Washington Post reported.

But despite the withdrawal of Sanchez's allegations, the nephew allegedly sent the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer messages through Instagram, threatening to "assassinate his reputation and integrity" unless he gave him money.

Martin claimed in his lawsuit that prior to filing for a restraining order, Sanchez — whom he described as a "maladjusted individual" — bragged about being his nephew and would send him messages up to 10 times a day for a four-month period.

The lawsuit also alleged that Sanchez posted Martin's cellphone number on social media and made an Instagram account for one of the singer's children, which made the father of four uncomfortable.

Martin stated in the lawsuit that his nephew's alleged actions have caused him and his family to feel "unsafe" in their home country.

The suit also said that two restraining orders had previously been filed against Sanchez in an unrelated stalking case.

Martin has asked the judge to order Sanchez to stop all forms of communication with the singer and his family.

After a judge dismissed the restraining order filed by the nephew against Martin in July, the singer's legal team told TMZ, "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."

His lawyers continued, "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 a July video message, obtained by Page Six, Martin expressed relief over the case's dismissal but said the allegations had a negative impact on his and his family's lives.

"Thank God these claims were proven to be false, but I'm going to tell you the truth, it has been so painful and devastating for me, for my family for my friends," he said. "I don't wish this upon anybody."