'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' star Tenoch Huerta says sexual assault 'allegations are simply untrue'

• Tenoch Huerta is responding to allegations of sexual assault that have been circulating on Twitter.
• "Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue," Huerta told Insider in a statement.

Marvel star Tenoch Huerta is denying sexual assault allegations in a statement to Insider after activist and saxophonist María Elena Ríos called the actor a "sexual predator."

The allegations began circulating on Twitter over the weekend when Ríos said on social media that Huerta sexually assaulted her.

"It is very difficult to talk about the emotional abuse and abuse of power of a sexual predator who is loved in the world for playing a character in a movie like Tenoch Huerta," Ríos tweeted on Saturday.

Asked by a Twitter user if she was assaulted by Huerta, Ríos replied in the affirmative.

In a statement released on Monday, the actor said he dated Ríos for "several months," but asserted it was "entirely consensual at all times."

"Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue," he wrote in part. "And while I will always work to improve myself, I need to contest claims that are both false and offensive."

Huerta was the breakout star of the "Black Panther" sequel "Wakanda Forever" for his turn as Namor, the film's antagonist. The Mexican actor's casting was also praised as a step forward in the onscreen representation of Indigenous people.

A rep for Huerta asked that his statement be released in full. Here it is below:

"A false and completely unsubstantiated accusation about me has spread like wildfire – and I cannot let it go unchallenged any longer.

About a year ago, I dated Elena for several months. It was entirely consensual at all times, as countless others can attest. And throughout it was a loving, warm and mutually supportive relationship. After it ended, however, Elena began to misrepresent our interactions both privately and in front of groups of mutual friends.

As a result, a few months ago, I engaged a legal team to commence the appropriate actions to protect my reputation and refute these irresponsible and false accusations that can cause great prejudice and damage.

Although I am by no means perfect, I know that these allegations are simply untrue. And while I will always work to improve myself, I need to contest claims that are both false and offensive.

I am deeply grateful to my family and the people who have supported me and greatly appreciate everyone who is willing to look at the facts and reflect before rushing to an untrue and unjust conclusion."