Famed soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing rape allegations that have resurfaced from 2009. The first accuser, Kathryn Mayorga, claims that Ronaldo had assaulted her in the penthouse of a Las Vegas hotel nearly a decade ago.
Mayorga’s lawsuit was filed on September 27th, consisting of 11 claims, including battery, abuse of a vulnerable person and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She then contacted attorney Leslie Stovall of Clark County District Court in Nevada, who has taken the case that is being closely monitored by several parties.
The case has been closely watched by Union of European Football Associations, and by Nike, whom has sponsored Ronaldo for many years. Ronaldo, who is ranked as the most famous athlete in the world, has gained fame as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He has been recognized around the world for his time playing time with both Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Mayorga is now one of several women to come forward, the second accuser is signing a nondisclosure and choosing to remain anonymous. A possible third accusers has also come forward in recent days.
The soccer legend has denied these reports, stating in a tweet that “Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.” These allegations come in the wake of both the #MeToo movement and the series of sexual assault allegations towards supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
The allegations came as a shock to millions of fans, but even so, this case has been reopened and is one of several allegations. Sexual assault is prevalent in most sports for many different reasons, and is among many different crimes to go unchecked by athletic organizations.
For now, Juventus has backed Ronaldo and is standing by him, but despite this, FIFA is regarded as one of the most corrupt athletic organizations in the world. Whether or not this case will see trial, or even be further pursued is difficult to tell, given the nature of many sports organizations to cover cases like these up.
Ronaldo was recently transferred to Juventus for $100M, the largest amount ever paid by an Italian club. His arrival to the team has been watched by millions including fans of the team, and those who fear that Juventus will win the Champions League.
