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Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid told star ‘to pay hush money’ to alleged rape victim
CRISTIANO RONALDO was told to pay hush money to his alleged rape victim by his former club, Real Madrid, it has been claimed.
Ronaldo, now at Juventus, has been caught up in the middle of an alleged sexual assault case in America.
The forward joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 for a then-record fee of £80m.
To celebrate, he went to Las Vegas on holiday with friends.
It is in Las Vegas that the alleged incident occurred.
Kathryn Mayorga alleges that she was paid £287,000 for her silence after the alleged incident.
She alleges that she was raped by Ronaldo after he invited her back to his penthouse hotel suite following a night of partying.
Las Vegas Police have confirmed they will question the superstar on the alleged rape.
Portuguese media outlet Correio da Manha cite a source ‘close to the case’, claiming that Ronaldo was pressured into taking the deal.
“The footballer had just signed a lucrative contract with Real Madrid and the club was concerned about its image,” the article states.
“Their concern was heightened when, during his holidays in the US, Ronaldo was the centre of attention and was even photographed on a night out with Paris Hilton.
“The investment made by Real Madrid was high and although they never doubted the quality of the player, the club was apprehensive about the consequences of his off-pitch behaviour.”
Ronaldo has kept relatively quiet on the matter but denies the allegations.
In a statement, he said: “I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.
“Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense.
“My clear conscious will thereby allow me to await with tranquillity the results of any and all investigations.”
Real Madrid have not commented on the report.