Latin pop star Gloria Trevi, known as the "Mexican Madonna", was acquitted on Tuesday (21 Sep) on charges of rape, kidnapping and corruption of minors.
According to Billboard, Judge Javier Pineda ordered the immediate release of Trevi and former backup singer Maria Raquenel Portillo. Both were being held at a prison in Chihuahua and were facing up to 25 years behind bars. Pineda told TV network Azteca: "We did not find sufficient evidence to support [the charges]."
Trevi, former manager Sergio Andrade and Portillo, were arrested in Jan 2000 in Rio de Janeiro after a Latin America-wide manhunt. The arrest followed allegations made by former vocalist Karina Yapor, who alleged backup singing recruits wanting to join the band were forced by Trevi and Portillo to have 'sexual relations' with Andrade. They were later extradited back to Mexico to face the allegations in 2002.
Trevi, is one of Mexico's most successful and controversial female pop acts, known for her provocative live shows and her rebellious songs. Upon her release, Trevi told the press that she's working on a new album with her longtime label, BMG, with plans to release it in November. She's also been approached for a soap opera based on her life.