A spokesperson for Kylian Mbappé has strongly rejected reports from the Swedish media regarding the French soccer star, labeling them as “completely false and irresponsible.”
Various Swedish news outlets, including the national broadcaster SVT and the CNN affiliate Expressen, have claimed that Mbappé is “suspected on reasonable grounds of rape” following his visit to a nightclub and a hotel in Stockholm on October 10. According to Swedish police, the term “suspicion on reasonable grounds” indicates that there are certain circumstances suggesting that a person may have committed an act.
On Tuesday, Swedish prosecutors confirmed that a criminal report related to allegations of rape had been filed following media coverage, although they did not disclose any individuals’ names. When contacted by CNN for further information, prosecutors stated they could not provide additional details.
In response to a related claim made by the French media outlet RMC Sport, the 25-year-old soccer player called these allegations “FAKE NEWS” in a post on X, previously known as Twitter. RMC Sport subsequently removed its initial post from social media.
Mbappé’s representative issued a statement through a public relations firm condemning the accusations as “totally false and irresponsible,” emphasizing that such rumors should not be tolerated. The statement outlined that Mbappé intends to take legal action to protect his integrity and reputation against anyone spreading unfounded claims.
Mbappé’s attorney, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, appeared on TF1, a French television channel, to defend him. She condemned the reports as a “slanderous denunciation” and described Mbappé as “absolutely calm” despite the controversy. However, she noted he was taken aback by the media frenzy and expressed confusion over the nature of the allegations.
Canu-Bernard also highlighted that while a complaint has been filed, it is still unclear who is being accused, adding, “A complaint does not equate to the truth.”
Mbappé has missed France’s last two UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. CNN has sought a comment from Real Madrid regarding the situation. Reports indicate that Mbappé was in Stockholm for a portion of last week.