The attorney for Mariano and Clara Rivera is refuting the claims that the two knew of and covered up child abuse connected to the New Rochelle church founded by the couple.

In response to a 22-page civil lawsuit filed in State Supreme Court in White Plains, attorney Joseph Ruta stated, "Mariano and Clara Rivera do not tolerate child abuse of any kind and allegations that they knew about or failed to act on reports of child abuse are completely false."

The lawsuit, initiated by a child identified as Jane Doe and her mother, alleges sexual abuse by two individuals connected with the Refuge of Hope Church in New Rochelle, which was founded by the Riveras. Clara Rivera currently serves as the senior pastor of the church.

The claims detail that the abuse began in 2018 at a church-affiliated summer camp and continued with incidents at the Riveras' home in 2021 and 2022. Although the Riveras are not named as defendants, they are accused in the suit of knowing about the camp abuse and intimidating the victim into silence.

The Riveras' attorney further highlighted the couple's reputation for charitable work, particularly with underprivileged children in New York.