Ronaldo rape allegations: Nike expresses concern

Ronaldo rape allegations: Footballer’s principle sponsors Nike have expressed deep concerns over rape allegations.

A woman from the United States accused Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo of rape.

Kathryn Mayorga, 34, has accused Ronaldo of serious sexual assault. She says, as quoted by Der Spiegel, that the current Juventus forward raped her in Las Vegas in 2009.

She also revealed that Ronaldo later paid her $375,000, to ensure that she never speaks of the incident to anyone. Her lawyer is currently questioning the validity of the out-of-court settlement, according to the German publication.

This is the first time Mayorga has spoken publically on the incident, revealing details of what happened between her and Ronaldo in the hotel suite at Las Vegas.

Cristiano Ronaldo denied the accusations, however, and took to social media earlier this week to make his statement. He insisted that his conscience is clear.

“I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in,” wrote Ronaldo.

Nike expresses concern over Ronaldo rape allegations:

Ronaldo’s principal sponsor, Nike has now expressed ‘deep concerns’ over the rape allegations on Portuguese footballer.

The US sportswear giant, who have a $1bn contract with Cristiano Ronaldo, stated that they would ‘continue to closely monitor the situation.’

In a statement released by Nike, they stated that they are ‘deeply concerned’ with the accusation on Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo,” the statement read.

Earlier, EA also came out with a similar statement on Ronaldo’s allegations. They told AP, “We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo.

“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.”

Juventus’s statement:

Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, Juventus issued a separate statement on the allegations. Ronaldo joined Juventus earlier this season in a stunning transfer from Real Madrid.

In a tweet, Juventus stated, “Cristiano Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus.”

Juventus further tweeted this:

The statement from Juventus received huge backlash on social media.