Ricky Martin has been accused of incest by his 21-year-old nephew and could face up to 50 years in prison according to reports in Spanish media.

Martin was placed under a restraining order in Puerto Rico earlier this month, but the identity of the other party was withheld.

Now Spanish news outlet Marca is reporting that Martin's brother Eric has identified the alleged victim as the singer's nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez.

He has accused Martin of physical and psychological attacks on him and loitering near his home after the singer could not deal with the end of their relationship earlier this year.

"The petitioner fears for his safety," El Vocero, a Puerto Rican newspaper, quoted the restraining order as saying.

Under Puerto Rican law Martin could face up to 50 years in prison if found guilty of incest.

Martin said in a tweet earlier this month that the order is based on "completely false" allegations and that he will face the process "with the responsibility that characterises me".

"I appreciate the innumerable gestures of solidarity and I receive them with all my heart," he wrote.

Representatives for Martin earlier issued a statement and described the allegations as "completely false and fabricated". It did not name the representatives.

"We are very confident that when the true facts come out in this matter our client Ricky Martin will be fully vindicated," they said in a statement shared with The Associated Press.

The revelations come after Martin was hit with a $4.8 million lawsuit from his ex-manager Rebecca Drucker, with documents claiming he owes the sum after she helped resurrect his career and protect him from allegations that would have ended it altogether.

Drucker also claimed the Latin hitmaker was threatened and intimidated with a "potentially career-ending allegation" and she helped him emerge "unscathed" and proceed with his "professional resurgence."

SEXUAL HARM - DO YOU NEED HELP?

If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone contact the Safe to Talk confidential crisis helpline on:
• Text 4334 and they will respond
• Email [email protected]
• Visit https://safetotalk.nz/contact-us/ for an online chat
Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.
If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.

- Additional reporting, AP