Mbappé shocked by Swedish rape inquiry - lawyer

Kylian Mbappé, the captain of the French national football team, expressed his astonishment upon discovering that his name was associated with a rape inquiry in Sweden. His lawyer reassured the public that Mbappé remains calm, as he believes he has done nothing wrong. Swedish authorities have confirmed that a senior prosecutor is currently investigating a report regarding a suspected rape incident in Stockholm, although they have not disclosed any names related to the case. Nevertheless, Swedish media outlets have reported that the French football star is being linked to the allegations, which reportedly involve an incident that occurred at a hotel in central Stockholm last Thursday. In response to the media reports, Mbappé took to social media, labeling the information as 'FAKE NEWS' to his 14 million followers. During his visit to Stockholm, which lasted two days, he was seen dining at a restaurant on Thursday evening before heading to a nightclub. Photographs captured him walking through the city alongside three companions. On Monday, Swedish prosecutors clarified that the incident under investigation took place on October 10 at a hotel. Police were observed visiting the Bank hotel, where Mbappé had stayed, and they left with bags of evidence, including clothing. The Swedish prosecution authority stated that they could not provide further information at this time. Mbappé was not called up for France's recent UEFA Nations League matches and has since returned to training with his club, Real Madrid. Petra Eklund, the lawyer representing the complainant, stated that she is unable to comment on the case due to legal restrictions. However, Swedish media, including SVT, reported that the allegations involve reasonable suspicion of rape, which is considered a lower level of suspicion under Swedish law. Mbappé's legal team has condemned the media reports as defamatory. On Tuesday night, lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard appeared on a prominent evening news program on TF1, asserting that they have no knowledge of the complaint or whether it has even been filed against her client, who she described as 'stunned' by the media frenzy. She emphasized that Mbappé is never alone and does not put himself in situations that could lead to risky behavior. 'This completely rules out any possibility of reprehensible actions on his part,' she stated with absolute certainty. She also mentioned that a complaint does not prove guilt and that she is preparing to counter with a defamation claim. Meanwhile, in his social media post on Monday night, Mbappé seemed to connect the reports from Sweden to a case involving his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, regarding €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses. He remarked, 'It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance. ' Mbappé, who is PSG's all-time top goalscorer, left the club over the summer after months of disputes. The hearing on Tuesday was held before a French football league appeals committee, and PSG has denied the player's allegations. Another lawyer for Mbappé indicated that a decision is expected on October 25.