Author of the article:
Associated Press
Karl Ritter And Samuel Petrequin
Published Oct 15, 2024 • 2 minute read
French soccer star Kylian Mbappe’s representatives have rejected as “false and irresponsible” reports in Swedish media saying he is the subject of a rape investigation in the Nordic country.
Advertisement 2
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
Without citing sources, several Swedish media including tabloids Expressen and Aftonbladet and broadcasters SVT and TV4 reported that the Real Madrid striker was the subject of a rape claim following a visit to Stockholm last week.
In response to the reports, Swedish prosecutors issued a brief statement Tuesday saying a rape had been reported to police, but didn’t name any suspect.
“According to the report the incident took place on Oct. 10, 2024, at a hotel in central Stockholm,” said the statement published by the Swedish Prosecution Authority.
Prosecutor Marina Chirakova, who is leading that investigation, declined to give any further details.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
“From my side I cannot confirm whether there is a suspect in the case,” she told The Associated Press.
Names of suspects are typically not made public by Swedish authorities until charges are filed or a suspect is ordered held in pre-trial detention.
Mbappe’s communications team accused Swedish media of spreading “slanderous” rumors.
“These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable,” they said in a statement sent to the AP and other media. “Kylian Mbappe will under no circumstances tolerate his integrity, reputation and honor being sullied by unfounded insinuations.”
In a post late Monday on his official X account Mbappe wrote “FAKE NEWS!!!!” and linked to a French article picking up the Swedish reports.
Advertisement 3
Article content
He appeared to draw a link between the reports in Sweden and a hearing in Paris on Tuesday in a legal dispute with former club Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages.
“It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” the post said in French.
Mbappe’s lawyers didn’t comment as they arrived for and left the hearing in Paris on Tuesday.
Later Tuesday, a lawyer for Mbappe, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, told French broadcaster TF1 that her client was “bewildered” by the reports.
“We are told that a complaint has been lodged, but at this stage we don’t even know against whom. A complaint does not make the truth, a complaint does not prove anything. And once again, I don’t even know if the complaint is against him,” she said.
Recommended from Editorial
-
Thomas Tuchel reportedly set to become England's national team manager
-
Manchester United great Alex Ferguson to step down as club ambassador
Swedish media already last week reported on Mbappe’s brief stay in Stockholm, publishing pictures of him and his entourage.
The French star had been given permission to skip international duty because of a minor thigh injury as France beat Israel and Belgium in Nations League matches on Oct. 10 and Oct. 14, respectively.
Mbappe, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, joined Real Madrid this summer after seven years at PSG.
Article content