In a dramatic turn of events, Benjamin Mendy, the former footballer of Manchester City, has been officially acquitted of charges related to rape and attempted rape, as declared by the Chester court today.
The tension in the courtroom reached its peak as Mendy, visibly overwhelmed, broke down in tears upon hearing the jury foreman deliver the verdict, following a rigorous three-day trial.
The allegations against the French footballer involved the rape of a 24-year-old woman in October 2018, while another woman, aged 29, accused him of attempted rape two years prior.
Earlier this year, Mendy was already acquitted of six counts of rape, marking a significant legal victory for the 28-year-old athlete.
As Mendy’s contract with Manchester City, where he had been a member since 2017, expired on July 1, his legal battle coincided with a crucial period of transition in his professional career. Notably, Mendy was part of the victorious French national team that clinched the World Cup title in Russia back in 2018.
The court’s decision brings relief to Mendy, granting him the opportunity to move forward and rebuild his life away from the shadows of these serious allegations.