Nike "Deeply Concerned" by Cristiano Ronaldo Rape Allegation
Nike has said it is "deeply concerned" by the rape allegation against Cristiano Ronaldo and said that it will "continue to closely monitor the situation," according to the Associated Press. Nike's contract with the Portuguese football star is reportedly worth $1 billion.
Video game developer EA Sports issued a similar statement about its FIFA cover star: “We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA’s values.”
Ronaldo's current team, Italian champion Juventus, has come out in support of its recent record signing. In a series of tweets, the club praised Ronaldo's professionalism and said the allegation doesn't change its opinion of the forward.
Ronaldo has been accused of raping Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Mayorga has filed a lawsuit against the football player aiming to void a non-disclosure agreement from the time, as her lawyers believe she was coerced into signing it in exchange for $375,000. An article by German weekly Der Spiegel outlines the alleged events in full.
Las Vegas Police has reopened its investigation. Mayorga reported the alleged attack to police in 2009 but didn't name Ronaldo at the time.
Ronaldo has denied all allegations, writing on Twitter that rape “goes against everything that I am and believe in” and that he awaits the results of the investigation "with tranquility."
If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted, there are resources to help you.
