PARIS Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has broken his silence after being formally accused of sexual assault in France.
Last month, it was revealed that French prosecutors signed a final indictment requesting for the 26-year-old to be charged in criminal court.
It came after he was charged with rape on March 3, 2023 – and released on bail under police supervision.
The case relates back to an alleged incident on February 25, 2023.
A 24-year-old woman told cops she met that Hakimi on Instagram in January that year, Le Parisien reported.
He reportedly ordered her an Uber to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, where the woman claims Hakimi kissed her mouth and breasts through her clothes – despite her protests.
She further alleges he then proceeded to assault her without consent.
The woman went to a police station that same day to “make a statement of rape”.
She initially declined to file a formal complaint, but messages she later showed to investigators reportedly showed her distress in the aftermath of the alleged incident.
Achraf Hakimi firmly denies any wrongdoing.
The PSG and Morocco star has now spoken out about the allegations in an interview with Canal+ France.
He said: “For me, it’s the hardest thing that’s ever happened to me. And the truth is, it’s the hardest blow I’ve ever suffered.
“I think it was pretty hard for me, and it still is, because when they keep telling lie after lie, it hurts.
“It hurts for my family, for my children, who are young and don’t know what the internet or reading is.
“I know that at some point in their lives they’ll read things, and for me, seeing that something about their father has been written and on top of that, it’s a lie, is not very pleasant, and I honestly wouldn’t wish that on them.”
If convicted, Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison, which is the maximum sentence for non-aggravated rape in France.
The 26-year-old added that his lawyer was the one who told him about the police charge.
But he said that they were “calm” about the matter.
“I know what I’ve been accused of,” he said.
“It’s a lie. I know who I am. I know I haven’t done anything. And I never would.
“I asked to speak to the police, to them, to explain my version. Always when they’ve needed me for anything… What’s more, they have my DNA.
“Whatever they needed, I was available, unlike the person accusing me, who didn’t make things easy.
“Thanks to the police’s work, we’ve been able to find quite a few good things.
“The truth is, I’m calm. I know I’m in good hands with my lawyer. Justice is doing its work, and I hope the truth comes out soon.”
Hakimi has remained free on bail while the investigation is underway.
His football career has continued despite the allegations, notably winning the Champions League with PSG last season.
Domestic abuse – how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
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