France coach Didier Deschamps has addressed the recent allegations against captain Kylian Mbappe, who is reportedly under investigation for r*pe in Sweden.
“Everyone is free to write what they want, but there’s a negative atmosphere surrounding the French team,” Deschamps told reporters after France’s 2-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. His comments were in response to questions about Mbappe, who had been given time off this month to focus on his fitness.
The controversy emerged after Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that a rape had been reported to police, although no suspect was named. Later, Expressen identified Mbappe, 25, as the individual under investigation.
Deschamps cautioned, “Be careful what you pick up. You should take a step back before publishing everything, but these things happen so often.”
He further warned against accepting unverified reports, stating, “There are things that are easy to check, but if you believe anything, that’s the problem.”
Deschamps added that he wouldn’t discuss the matter with Mbappe directly, as the player is capable of handling communication on his own.
Mbappe had visited Sweden with friends from Wednesday to Friday last week, staying at the Bank Hotel in central Stockholm. On Thursday night, he dined at the Chez Jolie restaurant, went to the V nightclub, and later returned to his hotel in a black van with his entourage.
Aftonbladet reported that police are investigating a rape that allegedly occurred at the hotel on Thursday night.
However, Mbappe responded by posting an article about the allegations on X (formerly Twitter), labeling it as “Fake News!” and implying the timing was coincidental, referencing his ongoing legal battle with former club PSG over unpaid wages and bonuses.
Mbappe’s representatives also issued a statement to AFP, condemning the accusations as “completely false and irresponsible.” They announced that legal actions would be taken to defend his image and seek justice for what they described as moral harassment and defamatory treatment of the footballer.
