Karim Benzema Comments on Alleged Sex-Tape Blackmail of Mathieu Valbuena
Real Madrid star Karim Benzema maintains his innocence in the ongoing sex-tape blackmail scandal involving Mathieu Valbuena, saying he feels “like a criminal” and that he was only trying to help.
In an exclusive interview with French television channel TF1, the 27-year-old expressed his hope the matter will be resolved soon and explained what the experience has been like for him.
As reported by AS, he said:
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"I heard there was a video in which he appeared and when I mentioned this to him it appeared that he already knew of its existence. I then told him that I could help him through a friend I have in Lyon. I asked him if he had advised his family.
[…]
We never spoke about money. I’m hearing all this talk about extortion and it’s driving me crazy.
[…]
The only thing I regret is having been spied on during a conversation with an old friend.
[...]
I hope that things work out. I’m not guilty. This will work out well for Valbuena, for my friend and for me.
"
Benzema and Valbuena have been at the heart of a sex-tape scandal that has dominated football headlines in France for weeks. After news broke the Lyon man was being extorted with a video, Benzema found himself under investigation in the case.
According to the BBC, Benzema claims he was told about the sex tape while dining with Karim Zenati, a longtime friend who currently works for him and has also been charged. The same report notes Valbuena told Le Monde that Benzema “indirectly suggested” he’d need to pay a ransom.
Investigators began tapping Benzema's phone and discovered Benzema told Zenati he had seen the video, which proved to be untrue. They also overheard the striker telling Valbuena to meet his “friend” in Lyon.
If he is found guilty of blackmail, the Real Madrid star could face up to five years in prison, per the BBC.
