America asks Ronaldo for DNA sample after being accused of rape

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Nevada police have officially asked the Italian authorities for a DNA sample of Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo as part of an investigation into his alleged rape committed there. 10 years in Las Vegas, Nevada police said Thursday.

The 33-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, said he was innocent of the rape and said Thursday through the intermediary of his lawyer to Las Vegas that the sex on the charge was consensual.

The case erupted in September 2018 when Catherine Mayorga filed a lawsuit against Ronaldo in the Clarke District Court in Nevada, accusing her of raping her at the Las Hotel. Vegas in 2009 and paid him $ 375,000 for his silence.

Maurega's lawyers said in September that they were now seeking compensation of $ 200,000 and the cancellation of the non-disclosure agreement, which would have been forced to be signed by "specialists of personal protection hired by the football star ".

Ronaldo said on Twitter after the trial that his "relaxed conscience" would allow him to "calmly wait for the results of any investigation".

The Wall Street Journal on Thursday quoted an unidentified source in a law enforcement agency aware of the case, saying the Las Vegas authorities had sent a note to the Italian judicial authorities for a sample of DNA of the Juventus wing and the captain of Portugal.

Investigators want to know if Ronaldo's DNA sample is compatible with a sample found in another woman's Mayorga dress, the newspaper said.

In response to a Reuters inquiry regarding the report, Laura Meltzer, spokeswoman for the Las Vegas Police, said in an email response that the administration "is taking the same steps in this case as any other case of sexual assault to facilitate access to DNA evidence. We officially asked the Italian authorities. "

"Mr. Ronaldo has always confirmed, as he confirmed today, that what happened in Las Vegas in 2009 was consensual, so it is not surprising that the DNA is present and it is no wonder that the police are asking this basic demand as part of its investigation, "said Ronaldo's lawyer, Peter Kristiansen.