The lawsuit was brought by the girl and her mother, whose identities are withheld for privacy. It claims the girl, a devoted member of Refuge of Hope—part of the Assemblies of God denomination—was repeatedly assaulted over several years at the church and at the Riveras’ Westchester home.

The allegations take an even darker turn with claims that Clara Rivera, a pastor at the church, actively enabled the abuse. In 2018, she allegedly encouraged the girl’s mother to enroll her in a summer internship at Ignite Life Center, another Assemblies of God church. The lawsuit suggests this was a deliberate attempt to distance the girl from Refuge of Hope and further suppress her voice.

The Riveras are accused of not only failing to report the abuse to authorities but also of using their influence to intimidate and silence the victim. According to the lawsuit, they prioritized shielding the church from scandal over protecting a vulnerable child—a betrayal of trust that raises serious questions about their moral integrity.

Adam Horowitz, the attorney representing the girl and her mother, stated bluntly: “The Riveras failed to keep a child safe. Instead, they chose to protect their church and their reputation, allowing a predator to operate unchecked. This case is about holding powerful people accountable for enabling and covering up the abuse of a child.”

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the emotional and psychological trauma endured by the victim, as well as accountability for the alleged cover-up. It also highlights the broader issue of sexual abuse within religious organizations, where power dynamics and a culture of secrecy often enable predators and leave victims powerless.

As of now, the Riveras have remained silent, refusing to address the allegations publicly. It’s unclear who is representing them or Refuge of Hope in the case, but their silence speaks volumes. The church has also stayed quiet, leaving many to wonder what other secrets might be hidden behind its doors.

Mariano Rivera, a baseball icon celebrated for his record 652 saves and his unanimous Hall of Fame induction, has long been admired not only for his athletic achievements but also for his philanthropy and devout Christian faith. However, these allegations threaten to tarnish his legacy, exposing a disturbing chapter that could overshadow his accomplishments.

The lawsuit doesn’t just target the Riveras—it exposes the toxic culture of secrecy and protectionism that often pervades religious institutions, particularly those led by influential figures. Advocates for survivors are demanding accountability, urging religious leaders to prioritize the safety of their congregants over protecting their institutions’ reputations.

As the case unfolds, it’s sure to draw intense scrutiny, not only because of Rivera’s fame but also because of the horrifying nature of the allegations. The outcome could send shockwaves through the religious community, forcing a reckoning with how abuse claims are handled and how powerful figures are held accountable.

For the girl and her mother, this lawsuit is about more than just seeking justice—it’s about breaking the cycle of silence and ensuring no other child suffers the same fate. But for Mariano and Clara Rivera, it’s a stark reminder that no amount of fame, wealth, or influence can shield anyone from the consequences of their actions.

The question now is: will the Riveras finally break their silence, or will they continue to hide behind their power and privilege? One thing is certain—this scandal is far from over, and the world is watching.