Advocate Mehul Bansal, Jadetimes News
Adv. M. Bansal is an Advocate and a Jadetimes News Reporter covering legal news
France football star and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has expressed shock and disbelief after his name was linked to a rape investigation in Sweden. The incident reportedly took place in early October 2024 at a Stockholm hotel, but the 25-year-old footballer categorically denies any involvement, labeling the reports as "false and slanderous."
Incident and Allegations
The incident in question occurred on October 10, 2024, at the prestigious Bank Hotel in Stockholm, where Mbappé had been staying during a brief visit to the Swedish capital. Shortly afterward, Swedish authorities opened a formal investigation into the alleged rape, although the prosecutor’s office did not initially name Mbappé.
However, rumors began circulating in the media, linking Mbappé to the case. Reports suggested that the French star was being scrutinized by investigators, a claim that his legal team swiftly moved to refute.
Mbappé's lawyer, speaking to the press, stated that his client was "astonished" to see his name attached to the case and emphasized that Mbappé was not involved in the alleged incident. The lawyer further added that the footballer intends to take legal action for defamation and libel, seeking to clear his name and restore his reputation.
Legal Breaches
The legal dimensions of the case involve both criminal and civil law breaches, should the accusations prove unfounded:
1. Defamation and Libel:
- Mbappé’s lawyer has stated that the media reports linking the athlete to the rape case are defamatory, which constitutes a breach of **defamation laws**. Under **Swedish law**, as well as **French law**, individuals are entitled to take legal action if false statements harm their reputation. This allows Mbappé to pursue damages against those who spread the allegations without proper evidence.
2. Due Process Violations:
- The premature media leak of Mbappé’s alleged involvement, without official confirmation or charges, could be considered a breach of **due process** under Swedish legal norms. Sweden follows strict privacy guidelines in the early stages of legal investigations to protect both the alleged victim and accused from undue public scrutiny until sufficient evidence is presented.
3. Privacy Rights under European Law:
- Mbappé could also seek redress under the **General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)**, which applies across the European Union, including Sweden. If his personal information was leaked unlawfully by media outlets or individuals involved in the investigation, it would violate his right to privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Mbappé’s Response and Next Steps
Kylian Mbappé is expected to press ahead with legal action in both Sweden and France. His legal team is preparing to file defamation lawsuits, while they await further clarity on whether the prosecutor’s office in Stockholm will officially involve him in the investigation.
The footballer's representatives emphasized that he will fully cooperate with any legal proceedings but remains confident that the case will clear his name. “We expect the authorities to act with the utmost integrity, and we are confident that Kylian will be vindicated,” said his lawyer.
The case has garnered significant media attention due to Mbappé’s global stardom, adding pressure on Swedish authorities to handle the case with transparency and fairness. Meanwhile, Mbappé has continued his training and professional commitments, choosing not to comment personally but allowing his legal team to handle the matter.
As one of the world’s most prominent footballers, Kylian Mbappé's entanglement in the Swedish rape investigation has become a high-profile legal case. While the investigation continues, his legal team is moving quickly to counter the claims, seeking both to protect his reputation and hold accountable those responsible for spreading what they call “slanderous” allegations. Swedish legal authorities have yet to clarify whether Mbappé is formally under investigation, leaving room for further developments in the coming weeks.
