Paragraph 1: The Closure of the Investigation
The Swedish police have officially closed their investigation into allegations of rape and sexual assault against French football star Kylian Mbappe. Prosecutor Marina Chirakova announced the decision, stating that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case. This concludes the inquiry that began following Mbappe’s visit to Stockholm in October. The closure signifies that the authorities have determined there is not enough substantial proof to support the accusations made against the footballer. Mbappe himself has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, expressing surprise at the allegations and emphasizing his lack of involvement in any criminal activity.
Paragraph 2: Mbappe’s Reaction and Public Statements
Kylian Mbappe, in an interview with French television station Canal+, confirmed that he had not been contacted by Swedish authorities regarding the investigation. He stated his willingness to cooperate with the police if required, highlighting his bewilderment at the accusations. Mbappe expressed his continued surprise and incomprehension regarding the situation, emphasizing that he hadn’t felt personally affected by the allegations as he did not consider himself involved in any wrongdoing. His public statements underscore his denial of the accusations and his willingness to engage with the legal process if necessary.
Paragraph 3: Initial Reports and Mbappe’s "Fake News" Claim
The investigation first came to light through a report in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet in October. The article claimed that Mbappe was under investigation following his trip to Stockholm. The timing of the report, close to a hearing regarding unpaid wages from Mbappe’s transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid, prompted the footballer to publicly denounce the allegations as "fake news" on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He suggested a connection between the timing of the report and the upcoming hearing, implying a potential attempt to discredit him.
Paragraph 4: The Stockholm Visit and the Bank Hotel
Details about Mbappe’s visit to Stockholm in October remain relatively limited. It has been confirmed that he stayed at the Bank Hotel during his time in the city. However, the specific reasons for his visit and any events that may have transpired leading to the allegations have not been publicly disclosed. The lack of transparency surrounding the circumstances of his trip further contributes to the complexities of the case.
Paragraph 5: The Prosecutor’s Assessment and Lack of Formal Charges
Prosecutor Marina Chirakova’s statement explicitly stated that the evidence gathered during the investigation was not sufficient to warrant further legal action. Crucially, she also clarified that Mbappe had never been formally notified of any suspicion of a crime. This means that he was never officially a suspect in the case, and the investigation remained at a preliminary stage throughout its duration. The lack of formal charges further reinforces the conclusion that the evidence was insufficient to support the allegations.
Paragraph 6: Conclusion and Media Coverage
The closure of the rape investigation against Kylian Mbappe marks the end of a period of uncertainty and scrutiny for the football star. While the allegations garnered significant media attention, the Swedish authorities’ decision underscores the importance of due process and the reliance on concrete evidence in legal proceedings. The case highlights the potential impact of unverified accusations on public figures and the necessity of thorough investigations to determine the truth. The media’s role in reporting on such sensitive cases requires careful consideration of ethical guidelines and the potential consequences of spreading unsubstantiated claims.
