Ricky Martin has given his first statement since being cleared of shocking allegations that he had been involved in a sexual affair with his own 21-year-old nephew.
The 50-year-old singer was the subject of a lawsuit alleging incest, stalking and harassment by his brother's son - charges which could have seen him imprisoned for 50 years if found to be true - but the man involved withdraw all of his claims on Thursday.
In a video shown by E! News, an emotional Martin said: "I'm in front of the cameras today because I really need to talk in order for me to start my healing process.
"For two weeks, I was not allowed to defend myself because I was following a procedure where the law obligated me not to talk until I was in front of a judge.
"Thank God, these claims were proven to be false, but I'm going to tell you the truth: it has been so painful. It has been devastating for me, for my family, for my friends. I wouldn't wish this upon anybody."
Referencing his nephew, he added: "To the person that was claiming this nonsense, I wish him the best and I wish he finds the help so he can start a new life filled with love and truth and joy and he doesn't hurt anybody else."
Martin - one of the best-selling Latin American artists of all time - came out in 2010 and has been married to Swedish painter Jwan Yosef for the last five years.
Neil Wilkes
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