On Monday, Swedish media outlet Expressen reported that police are investigating Kylian Mbappé following a rape allegation. The 25-year-old French forward is accused of rape and sexual molestation during his trip to Stockholm last week.
Expressen also revealed from a police report that the alleged sexual assault occurred on Thursday, October 10th. The incident was reported to the police two days later.
“This is a matter which is now being headed by a prosecutor,” says police spokesperson Daniel Wikdahl. “I will not comment further but rather refer to the prosecutor’s office.”
His representatives also told AFP that they are unaware of the allegations and strongly deny the false accusations. Both Mbappé and the complainant are set to be questioned soon.
Mbappé is being investigated on “reasonable suspicion” of sexual assault, a charge considered to be on the lower end of the scale in the Swedish justice system. On Tuesday, his lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, was the guest on the TF1 news and gave her version of the facts.
“We’ve been hearing about a complaint being filed, but at this point, we don’t even know who it’s against,” Mbappé’s representative said (h/t RMC Sport). “A complaint doesn’t make something true, and it doesn’t prove anything. Honestly, I don’t even know if the complaint is aimed at him.”
She went on to explain Mbappé’s usual behavior: “He’s never alone, and he never puts himself in a situation where there’s any risk. So, this completely rules out the possibility of any wrongdoing on his part. I can say that with absolute certainty.”
“He’s staying calm, but he’s completely shocked by the media frenzy. He has no idea what could be held against him, in any way.”
She also clarified Mbappé’s stance on Swedish justice should the investigation involve him: “If that were the case, of course, he would cooperate. But again, he’s completely at ease. In fact, he went to training today because he has nothing to hide.”