Kylian Mbappe responds to rape investigation at Swedish hotel

In Sweden, Kylian Mbappe has publicly denied allegations of a rape investigation linked to his stay at the Bank Hotel in Stockholm. The footballer was in the city with friends from Wednesday to Friday last week, during which time police began investigating an alleged rape that reportedly occurred on Thursday night. The alarm was raised when a woman sought medical care at a local hospital. Mbappe took to social media to label the reports as 'fake news,' suggesting a connection to his ongoing legal battle with his former club, PSG, over unpaid wages and bonuses amounting to £46 million. This hearing is set to take place shortly after the allegations surfaced, raising questions about the timing of the reports. Mbappe's recent activities included attending a nightclub on the same night his national team played a match against Israel, which has drawn criticism for his absence from international duty. He had previously been sidelined due to a hamstring injury but returned to play for Real Madrid shortly before his trip to Sweden. France's coach, Didier Deschamps, expressed concerns about Mbappe's lack of preparation for national team matches, emphasizing the conflict between club and national team commitments. The investigation into the alleged rape remains ongoing, with no suspects identified as of now. The situation has garnered significant media attention, particularly given Mbappe's high profile as a football star and the implications of the legal proceedings against PSG. As the case unfolds, it raises broader discussions about athlete conduct and media scrutiny.