Anthony Joshua criticised by rape charity for praising Cristiano Ronaldo after sexual assault allegations

Anthony Joshua criticised by rape charity for praising Cristiano Ronaldo after sexual assault allegations
A rape victims’ group has criticised Anthony Joshua for comments he made praising Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal footballer being investigated over sexual assault allegations.Rape Crisis England and Wales, an organisation that supports the work of rape crisis centres across both countries, say Joshua was ‘inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful’ to make jokes about Ronaldo being ‘f*****’ by women ahead of his title defence against American Jarrell Miller in New York.2

Joshua was speaking at an event promoting his bout with Miller

Ronaldo is currently being investigated over allegations he raped Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009.“Cristiano Ronaldo [is my sporting hero],” Joshua said at a promotional event in the build-up to the June fight. “Ive always said two things youd get f—– for as an athlete is women and tax, hes got f—– for both and hes still smiling, still strong.“You need mental strength, hes proved that.“Hes a family man, hes got that aspect, but still out working and hes dedicated to what he does.“So as a sportsman hes had the issue of one side, hes got the family on the other side, and he balances what hes passionate about. He completes all the packages, so I like Ronaldo for that reason.” Katie Russell, the Rape Crisis England and Wales national spokeswoman, has since criticised Joshua for his remarks.“Its inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful to make jokes or flippant remarks about allegations or instances of sexual violence and abuse in any context,” Russell told The Telegraph.“Arguably, those in the public eye, who may be considered a role model to many, including impressionable young people, have a particular responsibility not to trivialise such serious issues.“Experiences of sexual violence and abuse can have wide-ranging and long-term impacts on victims and survivors health, lives and relationships. As a society, we need to develop more empathy and understanding about that if we are ever to see more of those impacted by sexual violence and abuse get the support they need, want and deserve.”2

German media outlet Der Spiegel first ran the story concerning the allegations last September

Joshua’s comments also appear to reference Ronaldo’s recent sentence for tax evasion in Spain; the 34-year-old paid a 19million fine to avoid jail time after pleading guilty to the charge.Las Vegas police issued a warrant for Ronaldo’s DNA in January having reopened their case into the sexual assault allegations.The Portugal and Juventus forward’s lawyers claimed last October that documents, which appear to substantiate Mayorga’s claims, have been altered from their original state.In October 2018 Ronaldo issued a denial on Twitter.

I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in. Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense.— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 3, 2018

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