On October 15, 2024, allegations of rape against Kylian Mbappé, captain of the France national football team and star player for Real Madrid, emerged following reports of an ongoing investigation related to an incident at a Stockholm hotel. In response to the media coverage, Mbappé’s representatives quickly dismissed the accusations as “totally false” and “slanderous,” emphasizing the serious implications of such allegations.
According to Swedish prosecutors, a probe into an alleged rape at a hotel in central Stockholm has been initiated, though no suspect has been officially named. Notable Swedish news outlets, including SVT and newspapers Expressen and Aftonbladet, have cited unidentified sources indicating that Mbappé is suspected in this case. In a statement released to Reuters, his public relations team stated, “A new slanderous rumour is starting to ignite the web,” and underscored that the allegations are “irresponsible” and their spread is “unacceptable.”
Mbappé’s lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, further expressed that they do not know if the complaint specifically targets the footballer. She emphasized that he is usually in the company of others and never alone, thereby ruling out any possibility of reprehensible behavior on his part. “It is an absolute certainty. He is serene but flabbergasted by the media frenzy,” she stated, asserting his innocence. Canu-Bernard indicated that Mbappé would cooperate with authorities if he were formally implicated.
Reports indicate that Mbappé was in Sweden for a private gathering with friends prior to leaving the country on the Friday following the incident. A police report related to the allegation was filed by an unidentified individual the following day, raising questions about the timing and nature of the complaint.
The Swedish Prosecution Authority has confirmed that a criminal report has been registered regarding a suspected rape in Stockholm, which has led to an active investigation. However, according to senior prosecutor Marina Chirakova, specifics about the case cannot be disclosed further at this time.
Despite the swirling controversy, it was noted that the level of suspicion concerning Mbappé remains “reasonable,” a classification under Sweden’s legal system that is less severe than “probable suspicion”—the latter being necessary for a suspect to be detained.
As developments unfold, Kylian Mbappé remains focused on his professional commitments. He did not participate in the recent matches against Israel and Belgium due to a muscle injury, but he returned to training with Real Madrid shortly after the allegations surfaced. At the same time, Real Madrid has not commented on whether they have been informed of the investigation or if they have been in contact with Swedish authorities.
In a bold response to the turmoil, Mbappé took to social media, sharing a link to a French news story regarding the allegations, captioned with “Fake News!!!!” This reinforces his vehement denial of the accusations, as both he and his legal team aim to clarify the situation and defend his reputation amidst the growing scrutiny.
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