Following what many regarded as an emotional interview about a marriage filled with domestic violence, West New York United commissioner candidate Hector Hernandez says he never laid a hand on his ex-wife Jackie Melendez – a story that his son corroborates, noting that he still loves his mother.
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Melendez came out on Friday making serious allegations about her 13-year marriage with Hernandez (h/t Hudson County TV), accusing him of knocking her teeth out and even putting a gun in her mouth.
Hernandez, who sat down with Hudson County View alongside his fiancée Julia Izquierdo yesterday, said he never laid his hands on Melendez. Izquierdo also said violence has never been an issue in their current relationship.
A lifelong West New Yorker who is no stranger to politics, Hernandez called the current municipal election “the dirtiest” one he’s ever seen since families are being brought into it.
Additionally, the former longtime town housing authority employee said outright that Melendez made the accusations she did in exchange for either money or a job from Roque.
Hernandez added that the Roque camps relentless attacks on him the past week shows that they’re lacking confidence ahead of the election.
Hector Hernandez, Jr., the 18-year-old son of Hernandez and Melendez who has lived with his father for the past four years, shot down claims that his father used to beat him – later calling Melendez’s interview in general “completely false.”
Despite the recent hardships, Hernandez, Jr. says he “will always love” his mother.
Melendez declined to go on camera with Hudson County View, but in a brief statement, she said anything her ex-husband says about her is “a made up story” and reiterated that her previous remarks “had nothing to do with politics.”
Finally, Roque campaign spokesman Pablo Fonseca said that his team has “nothing to do” with this “personal, family issue.”
“This is a personal, family issue that we have nothing to do with. It’s a very sad issue and we just wish that the issue gets resolved, that we can see what’s best for the kids,” Fonseca said over the phone.
“The Roque campaign has a zero tolerance for domestic violence and everyone from the [Hernandez] family should reach out and seek help regarding this matter.”