The woman accusing Cristiano Ronaldo of rape went public with allegations as a result of the #MeToo movement, her lawyer said on Wednesday.
Kathryn Mayorga claims that Ronaldo sexually assaulted her in Las Vegas in 2009, an allegation the Juventus forward firmly denies.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Ms Mayorga’s representatives further outlined the case, in which lawyer Leslie Stovall said the #MeToo movement gave her “courage” to come forward.
“The #MeToo movement and the women who have stood up and disclosed sexual assaults has given Kathryn a lot of courage, and has enabled her to come forward,” Stovall said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ronaldo tweeted: “I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.”
His attorney Christian Schertz insists the allegation is “manifestly illegal” and is “one of the most serious violations in personal rights in years”.
Mr Stovall also confirmed the firm, Stovall & Associates, intend to seek punitive damages against Ronaldo.
Another representative for Ms Mayorga, attorney Larissa Drohobyczer, claimed she had experienced depression and considered suicide after the alleged sexual assault.
Drohobyczer said: “In 2017, Kathryn Mayorga was contacted by journalists seeking information regarding a 2009 sexual assault by Cristiano Ronaldo and the disclosure of information regarding the sexual assault.
“Kathryn retained Stovall & Associates concerned with the legal consequences of the disclosures, the circumstances in which the settlement agreement, and the non-disclosure was obtained in 2010, and the severe emotional problems she continued to suffer since the 2009 sexual assault.
“At the time Kathryn retained Stovall & Associates she appeared to be emotionally fragile and frightened. She explained that since the 2009 sexual assault, she had experienced depression, intrusive thoughts, considered suicide, abused alcohol and had difficulty maintaining personal relationships and employment.”
Ms Drohobyczer went on to outline details of the case, and stated Ronaldo has 20 days to answer the complaint.
She added: “The lawsuit asserts the following claims. One, battery, sexual assault. Two, intentional affliction of emotional distress, sexual assault. Three, coercion and fraud. Four, abuse of a vulnerable person. Five, racketeering and civil conspiracy.
“Six, defamation. Seven, abuse of process. Eight, declaratory relief to void the settlement and non-disclosure agreement void or voidable on the basis of incompetency, undue influence, coercion and/or fraud. Nine, declaratory relief that the plaintiff be excused for performance under the settlement and non-disclosure agreement due to the defendant’s breach. 10, negligence. 11, breach of contract.
“A summons has been issued and we have sent the summons and complaint for service upon Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will have 20 days from the date of service of the lawsuit to answer our complaint in Kathryn Mayorga’s case.”
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