In 2009, a lady accused the Manchester United star of committing a rape on her in Las Vegas, which he categorically rejected. A judge in Las Vegas has dismissed the case because the woman’s attorney used stolen sensitive documents.
In 2009, the Manchester United player paid $375,000 in hush money to a woman who alleged he assaulted her in Las Vegas.
The lawsuit sought an additional settlement that might have reached millions of dollars, but US District Judge Jennifer Dorsey dismissed the case on Friday due to bad-faith activity and the exploitation of stolen confidential materials.
In her 42-page judgement, the judge stated that dismissing a case without the ability to refile is a significant consequence, but that Ronaldo had been hurt by the behaviour of the woman’s attorney, Leslie Mark Stovall.
Judge Dorsey noted that Mr. Stovall had used “misappropriated papers” that were “woven into the very fabric” of the plaintiff’s case, therefore requiring its dismissal permanently.
In her decision, she stated, “I find that the procurement and continued use of these papers were conducted in ill faith.”
“Mere disqualification of Stovall will not remedy Ronaldo’s prejudice, as the plundered documents and their secret information have been woven into the very fabric of [the plaintiff’s] claims.
“Severe punishments are warranted,” stated the ruling.
In a statement delivered in October 2018, Ronaldo stated, “I categorically refute the allegations made against me. “Violence is a heinous act that goes against everything I am and believe.”
His legal team has argued that the sexual contact was consensual and that a confidentiality agreement prohibits the woman and his legal team from discussing it.
The woman’s legal counsel could file an appeal against the verdict.
