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Franck Ribéry announces legal action over false Epstein allegations

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Franck Ribéry announces legal action over false Epstein allegations
Former football star Franck Ribéry has formally denied allegations circulating online that link him to the Jeffrey Epstein case, describing the claims as "completely false" and announcing imminent legal action against those responsible.

The name of Ribéry, the former France international, appears six times in documents linked to the Epstein case that were recently made public by a US court.

The references stem from statements attributed to third parties.

The release of millions of pages of court material connected to the late financier Epstein has reignited global scrutiny of individuals whose names appear in the files.

In France, the disclosures have prompted attention within the football world after Ribéry's name surfaced in one document.

What the documents say

According to the file in question, Ribéry is mentioned in the context of alleged violent incidents and an alleged prostitution network.

One passage claims:
Franck Ribéry tried to assault me while I was in my garden after obtaining my phone number and home address. Police surrounded him and escorted him back to his car.
Crucially, there is no known legal action against Ribéry based on these statements.

Legal experts stress that the mere inclusion of a name in the Epstein files does not constitute evidence of a crime or imply guilt.

Lawyer's response

In a press release issued by Paris-based law firm CAB Associés, acting on Ribéry's behalf at the Paris Court of Appeal, the former Bayern Munich star condemned what his lawyers describe as defamatory posts shared on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

The statements allegedly rely on false information that the release says has caused serious harm to Ribéry's dignity and reputation.

Claims branded 'entirely fabricated'

According to the statement, the allegations stem from a letter of complaint sent to US courts in November 2019, in which an unnamed woman reportedly mentioned Ribéry alongside a French lawyer, referring to the latter as her "lawyer" and "henchman."

Ribéry's legal team firmly rejects these assertions.

The press release states that the lawyer named in the letter has never represented Ribéry and has never met him in any capacity - professionally or otherwise.

Ribéry himself "formally and unequivocally" denies all allegations, characterising the letter as "far-fetched" and the product of a dispute between individuals with whom he has no connection.

Legal proceedings planned

Given the seriousness of the accusations and their widespread circulation online, Ribéry has instructed his lawyers to initiate criminal proceedings against the individual who signed the allegedly defamatory letter.

Legal action will also target those who have continued to repeat or amplify the claims on social media.

The law firm confirmed it has been mandated to pursue all available legal avenues to seek full compensation for the damage suffered, citing the "exceptional spread" of the false information across the internet.

Call for responsibility in online speech

The press release concludes by stressing that freedom of expression does not justify the dissemination of false, slanderous or defamatory content.

It highlights the personal toll such accusations have taken, not only on Ribéry but also on his family, who are said to be indirectly suffering as a result of the allegations.

Ribéry, who has spent several years living and working in Italy following his football career, is described as seeking only "peace and serenity" with his family as he moves beyond professional sport.

Context and background

Ribéry, now 42, earned 81 caps for France and enjoyed a distinguished club career, notably with Bayern and Olympique Marseille.

To date, there is no indication from authorities of any investigation involving him related to the Epstein case.

Epstein, a prominent figure in New York high society during the 1990s and 2000s, faced accusations of sexually exploiting more than a thousand young women, including minors.

He was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019, before standing trial.

As the Epstein files continue to be examined, lawyers and commentators alike urge caution, emphasising due process and the distinction between unverified allegations and established facts.

FAQ

Why does Franck Ribéry's name appear in the Epstein documents?

Franck Ribéry's name appears in one file due to statements attributed to third parties. These references are part of a large document release and are not formal accusations.

Does being named in the Epstein files mean Franck Ribéry committed a crime?

No. The appearance of a name in the Epstein documents does not imply guilt or illegal activity. There is currently no known investigation or legal case against Franck Ribéry related to these claims.

What do the documents actually allege about Franck Ribéry?

One passage describes an alleged confrontation involving Ribéry. The claim has not led to any charges and has not been validated by a court or law enforcement.

How has Franck Ribéry responded to these reports?

Through his lawyer, Franck Ribéry has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as "fake news," and has stated that legal action will be taken against those spreading defamatory claims.

Are the Epstein files considered reliable evidence?

The files contain a mix of testimonies, depositions and unproven claims gathered over many years. Many references are hearsay and should not be treated as established facts without judicial confirmation.

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