A representative for Kylian Mbappé has strongly rejected claims made by Swedish media regarding the French soccer star, labeling the reports as “totally false and irresponsible.”
Several Swedish news outlets, including public broadcaster SVT and CNN affiliate Expressen, reported that Mbappé is “suspected on reasonable grounds of rape” following his visit to a nightclub and hotel in Stockholm on October 10. According to Swedish police, “suspicion on reasonable grounds” implies that there are specific circumstances indicating that the individual may have committed the act.
Swedish prosecutors revealed on Tuesday that a criminal report had been submitted related to the media reports of a suspected rape in Stockholm. However, the prosecutors did not specify any individuals involved and declined to provide further information when contacted by CNN.
In response to these allegations, the 25-year-old soccer player called the reports “FAKE NEWS” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, following a similar claim from French media outlet RMC Sport, which later retracted its original social media post.
Mbappé’s representative issued a statement to CNN through a public relations agency, condemning the accusations as “totally false and irresponsible” and asserting that they are unacceptable. The representative emphasized that Mbappé will not stand for any attempts to damage his integrity, reputation, and honor through unfounded claims.
“To put an end to this systematic destruction of his image, all necessary legal steps will be taken to uphold the truth and pursue anyone or any media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappé continually faces,” the representative stated.
Mbappé’s lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, defended him on French television, asserting that the reports are a “slanderous denunciation.” She mentioned that Mbappé attended training on Tuesday and described him as “absolutely calm,” despite the ongoing accusations. However, she noted that he is bewildered by the media uproar and does not understand the basis of the allegations.
Canu-Bernard clarified that while a complaint has been made, it does not equate to the establishment of guilt, as there is uncertainty about who the complaint is against.
Mbappé did not participate in France’s last two UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. CNN has also sought comments from Real Madrid regarding this situation.
Reports from AFP indicated that Mbappé was in Stockholm last week, where he spent Thursday and Friday.