MLB Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera and Wife Accused of Covering Up Child Sex Abuse, Court Docs Say

Allegations Against Mariano Rivera and His Wife: Lawsuit Claims Cover-Up of Child Sexual Abuse

Mariano Rivera, the Hall of Fame closer for the New York Yankees, and his wife, Clara Rivera, are facing serious accusations of covering up child sexual abuse involving their church and home. A lawsuit, filed on January 16, 2025, in the Supreme Court of Westchester County, claims the couple was negligent in addressing the abuse of a young girl, referred to as “Jane Doe,” linked to their church, Refuge of Hope, in New Rochelle, New York.

Mariano Rivera, known for his legendary 19-season career with the Yankees, serves as the lead pastor at Refuge of Hope, while Clara is responsible for the church's day-to-day operations. According to the lawsuit, the couple was aware of allegations that a young girl was being sexually abused by an older minor, identified as “MG,” during a 2018 summer internship in Florida. The internship, held at the Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, was sponsored by Refuge of Hope.

The plaintiff’s mother became concerned for her daughter’s safety after receiving troubling phone calls from Jane Doe during the camp. The complaint states that Clara Rivera encouraged Jane Doe’s participation in the internship and assured her mother that she would investigate the situation after being informed of the concerns. However, the lawsuit alleges that when the Riveras traveled to Florida to learn more about the situation, they failed to take appropriate action to stop the abuse. Instead, the Riveras allegedly isolated Jane Doe and intimidated her into silence to avoid scandal for the church and its affiliated camp.

The abuse is said to have continued after Jane Doe returned to New York, with the Riveras hosting a barbecue at their home in Rye, NY. Despite knowing of the earlier incidents at the Florida camp, the Riveras allegedly allowed Jane Doe and MG to be left alone at the barbecue, with no other parents present. The lawsuit claims the Riveras did not notify the other parents and instead tried to handle the situation internally to avoid public scrutiny and potential financial repercussions.

Mariano Rivera’s career was a stellar one, earning him 13 MLB All-Star selections and five World Series titles, among other accolades. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom that same year. Despite his success in sports, the allegations against the Riveras in this lawsuit paint a much different picture, one involving serious misconduct at their church and personal home.

As of now, the Riveras have not responded to the lawsuit, and no attorney has been publicly listed to represent them. This case will undoubtedly raise more questions as it progresses through the legal system. For now, the accusations against the Riveras stand as a reminder that allegations of child abuse, especially when covered up by influential figures, demand serious attention and accountability. 

This lawsuit is an ongoing legal matter, and the Riveras’ response—or lack thereof—could have a significant impact on their personal and public lives moving forward.