Benzema of Real Madrid makes a s3x tape appeal.
Benzema of Real Madrid makes a s3x tape appeal.
AwesomeProf
Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid forward, has dropped his appeal against a one-year suspended sentence for his role in a scheme to blackmail former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex film, according to his counsel.
Benzema was condemned in November 2021 and fined 75,000 euros ($82,000) for an extortion attempt in 2015 that rocked French football and resulted in his five-and-a-half-year ban from the national team.
Real Madrid star has finally dropped his appeal, according to his lawyer Hugues Vigier, who confirmed a report on the Actu78 website.
On Tuesday, the parties will be notified of the withdrawal order by the Versailles court of appeal.
Benzema did so, according to French sports newspaper L'Equipe, because Vigier was "exhausted" by the process.
"By withdrawing, you are endorsing a decision of condemnation and, ostensibly, guilt." It is a fact that has been established by the courts. "However, this is not reality," he stated.
By dismissing the appeal, the November verdict against him becomes final.
Benzema was one of five people tried for attempting to blackmail Valbuena with a sexually graphic film seized from his phone, which was eventually unsuccessful.
He was accused of colluding with the suspected blackmailers by putting pressure on Valbuena to pay them off, rather than being the one who carried out the extortion attempt.
The 34-year-old footballer was scheduled to appear in court in Versailles, west of Paris, on June 30-July 1. Benzema's former lawyer, Antoine Vey, had stated that Benzema will testify in person during the appeal hearing.
The Versailles criminal court concluded in November that Benzema "implicated himself personally, through deception and lies, to persuade his teammate to submit to the blackmail."
It went on to say that, contrary to what he had stated, he had exhibited "no sympathy toward Valbuena" and even looked to take delight in his fellow player's misfortune.
The scandal devastated the French national squad, and the Real Madrid star was kicked out for five and a half years before making a stunning comeback in 2021, just in time for the European Championship.
Benzema, who has always maintained his innocence, has stated his wish to end the affair as quickly as possible on multiple occasions.
The star striker's decision to discontinue his appeal came just hours after he scored the game-winning goal in France's UEFA Nations League match against Denmark in Paris.
The Danes, on the other hand, came back to win 2-1 with to two goals from replacement Andreas Cornelius.
After helping Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final in Paris last weekend, Benzema is a favorite for the Ballon d'Or.
