New Delhi: French football star Kylian Mbappe has been embroiled in a highly publicized and controversial rape allegation in Stockholm, Sweden. He has been accused of rape and sexual assault during a visit to Stockholm, Sweden, amid an international break. Swedish media reports have identified the 25-year-old Real Madrid star as the suspect in a criminal investigation following an alleged incident at a high-end hotel in central Stockholm.
While the Swedish Prosecution Authority has confirmed the investigation Mbappe and his representatives have categorically denied the allegations labeling the reports as false and defamatory. As this case garners increasing media attention and continues to unfold, let’s take a closer look at the details so far.
The allegation:
According to Swedish media reports on Tuesday, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been accused of rape and sexual assault in Stockholm. During the international break, Mbappe visited Stockholm for two days with a few friends, as he was not selected for France’s Nations League fixtures last week. On the evening of France’s match against Israel, he was reportedly seen at a nightclub with his friends.
🚨 Swedish police have confirmed to local media that Kylian Mbappé is the subject of a complaint for rape and sexual assault.
The footballer was staying at the Bank Hotel and it is claimed the alleged rape took place on Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/iFSya8FyJb
— Total Football (@TotalFootbol) October 15, 2024
As per Aftonbladet’s report, a formal complaint was made to the police on Saturday, alleging that a rape had been committed in the Stockholm city center. Swedish prosecutor’s office confirmed on Tuesday that a rape investigation had been opened, but they did not specifically name Mbappe. However, media reports from Aftonbladet, Expressen, and public broadcaster SVT have identified Mbappe as the suspect, citing anonymous sources.
Mbappe’s response:
Mbappe has vehemently denied the allegations as he took to his ‘x’ (formerly twitter) and labelled the claims as “FAKE NEWS” and linked to the french article picking up the Swedish reports. He seemed to draw a link between the reports in Sweden to a hearing over a legal dispute with his former club Paris Saint-German over unpaid wages on Tuesday.
FAKE NEWS !!!! ❌❌❌
Ça en devient tellement prévisible, veille d’audience comme par hasard 😉 https://t.co/nQN98mtyzR— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) October 14, 2024
Mbappe’s representatives have also claimed all the allegations as “totally false” and defamatory. His lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, told French broadcaster TF1 that her client was “bewildered” by the reports. She said that no official complaint has been filed against the 25-year-old yet and said that he is at ease as he has done nothing wrong.
🗣️ Kylian Mbappé’s lawyer following the investigation opened by the Swedish police! 👩💼
“He is never alone. He is never exposed to finding himself in a situation where there would be a risk for him.
Therefore, it completely excludes the possibility of any wrongdoing on his part.… pic.twitter.com/iPzG2Jk9QT
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 15, 2024
Ongoing investigation:
The Swedish Prosecution Authority has initiated an investigation into the matter and released a statement acknowledging the submission of a criminal report regarding a suspected rape in Stockholm. The alleged crime occurred at the Bank Hotel in central Stockholm on October 10. Both the names of the plaintiff and the suspect have been redacted in official documents.
Leading prosecutor Marina Chirakova has declined to provide any specific details regarding the case. Swedish police have also refrained from offering additional information about the ongoing investigation. “In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation,” explained police spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind.
Aftonbladet published photos on its website on Monday, showing police officers in front of the hotel where Mbappe and his group had stayed. According to Expressen, Mbappe is “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault, the lower of the two degrees of suspicion in the Swedish legal system. While the investigation continues, no further information has been disclosed by the authorities at this time.
The rape allegation against Kylian Mbappe has garnered significant media attention given his high-profile status but remains a complex and evolving legal matter. Swedish authorities are still investigating with no formal charges against him. Mbappe’s legal team has denied the allegations labeling them false and defamatory.
