US Judge Recommends Dismissing Rape Case Against Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo

A US judge has recommended that Cristiano Ronaldo’s civil rape case, which dates back more than a decade, be dismissed.

Former model Kathryn Mayorga claims Ronaldo assaulted her in a hotel room in 2009.

The Portuguese international has always denied sexual assault charges, saying that their rendezvous was voluntary.

Prosecutors withdrew the criminal case against the Manchester United forward two years ago, claiming there was little chance of conviction.

Mayorga, on the other hand, who has waived her right to secrecy, has filed a legal suit for damages.

Magistrate judge Daniel Albregts suggested that Ronaldo’s motion to dismiss the case be approved in a recommendation issued on Wednesday.

Albregts, whose suggestion will be considered by a different judge who is hearing the case, blamed Mayorga’s lawyers for the decision, claiming that they based their case on confidential contacts between Ronaldo and his legal team.

“Dismissing Mayorga’s case because of her attorney’s unethical conduct is a harsh conclusion,” Albregts wrote.

“However, if the court does not grant case-terminating sanctions, (her lawyer’s) conduct could have far-reaching, harmful implications for the validity of the legal process,” according to the court.

Peter Christiansen, Ronaldo’s lawyer, was pleased with the recommendation.

“We are delighted with the court’s thorough examination of this situation and its readiness to apply the law fairly to the facts and recommend dismissal of Mr. Ronaldo’s civil lawsuit,” he said.

Mayorga’s lawyers did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

(With inputs from NDTV News – Topstories.)

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