Mbappé’s Representative Promises Legal Action Against Swedish Media Over Rape Allegations

Kylian Mbappé’s representative has vehemently denied allegations made by Swedish media regarding the French soccer star, calling the reports “totally false and irresponsible.” Various Swedish outlets, including public broadcaster SVT and the CNN affiliate Expressen, reported that Mbappé is “suspected on reasonable grounds of rape” following his visit to a nightclub and subsequent stay at a hotel in Stockholm on October 10.

The term “suspicion on reasonable grounds” as defined by Swedish police indicates that there are specific circumstances suggesting that the individual in question may have committed an offense. However, the details surrounding this case remain vague. Swedish prosecutors announced on Tuesday that a criminal report had been filed concerning media allegations of a suspected rape that took place in Stockholm.

While the press release issued by Swedish prosecutors did not name any individuals, they confirmed that they were unable to provide additional information when approached by CNN.

In response to the swirling media frenzy, the 25-year-old Mbappé took to X, formerly Twitter, to label the reports as “FAKE NEWS.” His response was triggered by a similar report from French outlet RMC Sport, which subsequently deleted its original social media post.

Mbappé’s representative issued a statement through a public relations firm, stating, “A new slanderous rumor is starting to set the web ablaze, originating from the Swedish media AFTONBLADET and EXPRESSEN.” The statement emphasized that the accusations against Mbappé are entirely unfounded and condemned the spread of such rumors.

“Kylian Mbappé will not tolerate under any circumstances that his integrity, reputation, and honor be tarnished by unfounded insinuations,” the representative added. “In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of his image, all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappé repeatedly suffers.”

Mbappé’s lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, appeared on French television network TF1 on Tuesday night to defend her client, describing the media reports as a “slanderous denunciation.” She stated that Mbappé attended training the following day and described him as “absolutely calm” in the face of the allegations.

Despite this composure, Canu-Bernard expressed that Mbappé is “completely flabbergasted” by the media frenzy surrounding him. “He doesn’t understand what could be held against him from afar or up close,” she remarked. The lawyer also noted that the media coverage has been “complicated” for Mbappé to endure.

In an interview with French outlet BFMTV the next day, Canu-Bernard reiterated that the allegations have taken a toll on Mbappé. “I wish him every success in scoring as many goals as possible in his next match,” she said, emphasizing the need for clarity. “At some point, if this media frenzy and these thinly-veiled accusations persist and light is not shed quickly, he will be heard by the investigators.”

Mbappé has not participated in France’s last two UEFA Nations League games, which included victories over Israel and Belgium. His next potential appearance on the field is expected to be with Real Madrid as they prepare to face Celta de Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.

As the situation unfolds, CNN has reached out to Real Madrid for their comment on the matter. According to reports from AFP, Mbappé traveled to Stockholm last week, spending Thursday and Friday in the Swedish capital.

The allegations against Mbappé have sparked a media storm, and both he and his representatives are committed to defending his reputation. Legal actions are set to be initiated to combat what they deem an unjust portrayal in the media, and the star forward is expected to address the situation further if the accusations continue. The outcome of this incident remains uncertain, but it highlights the pressures athletes face in the age of social media and rapid news dissemination.