During the conversation, Tubau admitted that she initially did not want to take the case due to the “bother” of the media attention and potential comments like “how a feminist woman handles a case like this.” However, her partners convinced her, arguing that if they defended other sexual assault cases with high penalties requested, they could not reject this legal debate on whether the kiss constituted sexual aggression.
“"I told Rubiales, 'it was unacceptable, Luis, don't you realize this cannot be done?'. 'I've done it all my life,' he replied. I told him that gentlemen also used to sleep with maids against their will, but having done it all your life doesn't make it right."
The lawyer explained that the decision to accept the defense caused a “drama” at her daughter Elisenda's birthday dinner, where she faced the “great disappointment” of her daughters, who questioned her career path. Tubau defended her stance based on the right to defense and the presumption of innocence, despite acknowledging that Rubiales is a highly rejected figure.
“"If you had called me at minute one, I would have told you, 'Luis, resign now, issue a statement saying it was deplorable, and nothing would have happened to you.' Now, if you go to an assembly and say 'over my dead body I won't resign,' you are paying the price for all this."
Beyond the defense, Tubau reflected on the Rule of Law, which she considers “undermined” and “laminated,” and current capitalism, which now “has no shame.” She stressed that, despite the moral limits she sets (such as not defending Donald Trump or cases involving child victims), her job as a lawyer is to build a body of jurisprudence that guarantees fundamental rights for everyone.
