Cristiano Ronaldo admits paying woman Sh37 million despite rape denial

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo [Courtesy]

Cristiano Ronaldo's lawyers have admitted that he did pay a woman a £300,000 settlement after she accused the superstar of rape in 2009, despite him denying the claims.

A lawsuit was filed in state court by Kathryn Mayorga last year attempting to invalidate the settlement, alleging Ronaldo and his legal team took advantage of her situation and citing her fragile emotional state.

Mayorga accused Ronaldo of raping her after meeting on a night out in Las Vegas, but he has denied the allegations.

No criminal charges have been filed, with prosecutors determining the claims "cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt" and Ronaldo's lawyers claiming they had consensual sex.

A lawsuit in federal court was refiled by Mayorga's legal team, seeking monetary damages of at least £165,000.

A motion filed on Friday by Ronaldo's lawyers acknowledged the €375,000 (£300,000) payment they initially made for the first time, stating the settlement was made to "maintain the confidentiality of their dispute".

Ronaldo claims her claims should be annuled by Nevada statues of limitations and her signed confidentiality agreement.

He also argues she failed to present sufficient evidence on her claim that she lacked the mental capacity to agree to the terms as a result of her emotional state.

Juventus star Ronaldo's representative, Peter Christiansen, declined to comment when Ronaldo lost a bid for dismissal or complete secrecy earlier this month.

US District Judge Jennifer Dorsey ruled against Ronaldo's claim that a release of court records would have “weaponised the allegations in this case,” and risked public scandal, harming his reputation and endorsements.

“The cat is already out of the bag about Mayorga’s allegations” Judge Dorsey wrote.

“I’m not satisfied that Ronaldo’s interest in holding Mayorga to her agreement is enough to justify sealing the entire record in this case.”

She did, however, rule that the 2010 settlement between Ronaldo and Mayorga which his lawyers have now acknowledged will remain private.

“The documents themselves and direct quotes from any of them will remain sealed,” she said.