Kylian Mbappé, the captain of the French national football team, has expressed his shock at being linked to a rape inquiry in Sweden, asserting through his lawyer that he remains calm as he has done nothing wrong.
Swedish authorities have confirmed an ongoing investigation by a senior prosecutor into a reported incident of suspected rape in Stockholm, although no individuals have been publicly identified in connection with the case.
Reports indicate that the French football star is being named in relation to alleged events tied to an incident at a Stockholm hotel last Thursday. In response to the increasing media speculation, Mbappé referred to the claims as “FAKE NEWS” to his 14 million followers.
Sources from Swedish media stated that Mbappé was in Stockholm for a two-day visit, where he was seen dining at a restaurant before heading to a nightclub. He was photographed in the city with three companions.
The prosecution clarified that the incident under scrutiny is reported to have occurred on October 10 at a hotel, and police were observed collecting evidence from the Bank hotel, where Mbappé had stayed, including clothing items.
The investigation is being overseen by senior prosecutor Marina Chirakova, who stated that further details cannot be disclosed at this time. Recently, Mbappé returned to training with his team after not being called up for UEFA Nations League matches.
The lawyer representing the complainant has refrained from commenting due to legal restrictions, but Swedish media have indicated the allegations suggest a reasonable suspicion of rape, which is categorized as a lower threshold of suspicion under Swedish law.
Mbappé’s legal team has decried the media coverage as defamatory, with lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard appearing on national news to assert that the media frenzy surrounding the case is unwarranted. She emphasized that her client is never placed in situations that could lead to allegations of misconduct.
Canu-Bernard also indicated that a complaint does not imply guilt, revealing plans to pursue a defamation case against the media.
Furthermore, Mbappé alluded to possible connections between the allegations in Sweden and his prior disputes with his former club Paris Saint-Germain regarding unpaid wages and bonuses, remarking on the timing of the reports as suspicious. He had been PSG’s top goalscorer before leaving the club amid ongoing tensions. A decision regarding his claims is expected from the French football league’s appeals committee on October 25.
In 2018, reforms to Sweden’s rape laws were enacted to ensure accountability for individuals who fail to recognize when consent is absent.
