On Monday, Expressen was the first to publish the information that Swedish police are investigating a suspected rape after French Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé visited Stockholm with friends.
As information is added and eventually it becomes clear that it is the football player himself who is reasonably suspected of the crime.
All have names published
All the major national media had during Tuesday chosen to publish Mbappé’s name – despite the fact that reasonably suspected is the lower level of suspicion. It is, for example, very unusual for someone who is reasonably suspected of a crime to be detained, unlike someone who is suspected on probable grounds.
– It is clear that we understand that our publications often cause publicity damage to someone, that is why we are very restrictive in general with name publications. But this is a very special case, says Martin Schori, deputy responsible publisher at Aftonbladet.
The public interest prevails
SVT chose to publish the day after Aftonbladet and Expressen, but even then with name and picture.
– We didn’t want to publish before we had our own data and when we got rid of them, we chose to go out, says Karin Ekman, responsible publisher for SVT Nyheter.
He is reasonably suspect, the lower degree of suspicion, and then you don’t usually publish a name and picture. Why has SVT done it anyway?
– In this case, the public interest prevails. This is one of the world’s most famous athletes who, after a visit to Sweden, is suspected of a serious crime, says Karin Ekman.
Kylian Mbappé says he is innocent of crime and that it is “fake news”. His lawyer has said on French television that she is open to filing a defamation complaint.
Mbappé Under Investigation: A Serious Situation Stirred with a Dash of Humor
Ah, the world of football! Where the drama off the pitch often eclipses the action on it. Just when you thought you could escape from the sensationalism of social media, bam! The plot thickens with a sprinkle of scandal. And who better to stir the pot than the French darling, Kylian Mbappé? A figure known for his dazzling footwork, not so much for his courtroom appearances…unless, of course, we’re talking about a penalty shoot-out!
Breaking News and Suspicion
So here we are, folks! The Swedish police are investigating a suspected rape after our boy Mbappé took a trip to Stockholm with his entourage. And just like that, we’re in a twist worthy of a late-night thriller. Information has emerged suggesting that it’s the football sensation himself who is reasonably suspected of this “serious crime.” Now, before we kick off, let’s take a moment to unpack this deliciously tense scenario.
In Sweden, being “reasonably suspected” is akin to being accused of licking the last piece of cake at a party: it’s not great but also not quite criminal. It’s the kind of suspicion you’d risk for a friend borrowing your favorite shirt without asking—not necessarily arrest-worthy. Yet, who are we to judge? Certainly not the tabloids, who seem to thrive on these spicy narratives like they’re custom-made pasta dishes at an Italian bistro.
The Naming Game
Now, the media frenzy that has followed is as predictable as a football player’s dive. Aftublad and Expressen (and frankly, probably your next-door neighbor with a megaphone) wasted no time in publishing Mbappé’s name. Martin Schori, the deputy responsible publisher over at Aftonbladet, mused on the rarity of such name and photo releases, saying, “It’s a special case.” Special, indeed! The kind of special where you might expect a golden retriever wearing sunglasses to trot around. But here we are.
As for SVT, they played coy for a day longer, only to release their own version of events complete with a name, a picture, and perhaps a cheeky winking emoji. Karin Ekman, the responsible publisher for SVT Nyheter, explains, “In this case, the public interest prevails.” Ah, the public interest: that nebulous force that gives permission to breach the privacy of others like a bull in a china shop adorned with football memorabilia.
Fake News and Innocence
In an unexpected twist that even M. Night Shyamalan would find perplexing, Mbappé insists he is innocent, calling the whole affair “fake news.” His lawyer seems prepared to whip out the “defamation complaint” card before you can say “offside rule.” Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of footballers denying wrongdoing, I can’t help but imagine them on a podium, surrounded by enraged fans screaming for an explanation, while they sheepishly shuffle their feet like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
Wrapping It Up with a Bow
As we stand at the crossroads of scandal, suspicion, and public interest—whichever side of the pitch you’re rooting for—remember that everything in the world of football is as serious as it is ridiculous. So, as this story develops, let’s keep our eyes peeled and our laughter close. After all, if there’s one thing that football teaches us, it’s that when you’re between the posts, you can either make a save or watch the ball sail right past you into the net. And with a tale like this one, you can bet there will be plenty more action to come.
Stay tuned, dear readers! ⚽️
