Hakimi requests dismissal of rape accusation: Mbappé intervenes

The Moroccan PSG footballer, Achraf Hakimi, appeared this Friday before the Versailles court, on the outskirts of Paris, in a crucial hearing. The purpose of this appearance was to request the dismissal of the rape accusation he has been facing since 2023. Hakimi’s defense presented a letter signed by Kylian Mbappé, a former teammate, as part of their legal strategy. In the letter, Mbappé seeks to qualify his initial testimony, which was key for the judge to order Hakimi to trial.

Details of the Hearing and Mbappé’s Letter

The decision on the appeal presented by Hakimi will be announced on June 19, coinciding with his participation in the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the Moroccan national team. The defense lawyer, Fanny Colin, confirmed the presentation of new elements to request dismissal. Sources close to the case revealed that Mbappé’s letter is a central component of this new strategy. In his initial testimony, Mbappé had mentioned that Hakimi confessed to him that he had kissed the young woman and touched “intimate parts” without her showing rejection. These statements were considered by the investigating magistrate as evidence that corroborated the complainant’s testimony. In the letter, Mbappé qualifies his words, clarifying that he was referring to “intimate parts” and not to “his intimate parts”, without specifying whether it was sexual organs.

Soccer players enjoy a certain immunity. It’s an essentially male world, and the fight against sexual violence hasn’t started yet. But it will.

Rachel-Flore Pardo, lawyer for the complainant

Reactions and Case Context

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the complainant’s lawyer, expressed her skepticism about Mbappé’s qualification, questioning the possibility of using the expression “intimate parts” without sexual connotations. Pardo also criticized what he considers a more lenient treatment of Hakimi compared to other media cases. He recalled that three magistrates have considered that there are sufficient elements to bring Hakimi to trial. The complainant, 24 years old at the time of the events, reported that the encounter took place in February 2023 at Hakimi’s residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, after a previous contact through social media. According to the complaint, the footballer kissed her, lifted her clothes and kissed her breasts, as well as inserting his fingers into her vagina, despite her resistance. Hakimi has denied any act of penetration, admitting only consensual kisses and hugs. The player has described the decision to send him to trial as “unfair”. The club has not taken action against the player, relying on the presumption of innocence.