Speaking publicly for the first time since becoming embroiled in a blackmail scandal, Karim Benzema said on Wednesday that he is not guilty and is not a criminal.
Benzema, one of France’s key players, is facing charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape featuring teammate Mathieu Valbuena. He is suspected of having played an active role in pressuring Valbuena to deal directly with the blackmailers.
“I am being accused as though I were a criminal, of terrible things,” Benzema said in an exclusive interview on France channel TF1, which was pre-recorded and aired on Wednesday night. “What happened is simple, I found out that there was a video made of him and I let him know but he was already aware. I told him that I could help him through a friend I had in Lyon. We talked about it, about whether he had let his family know and if they knew, about whether he should let it come out.”
Benzema also accused the media of plotting against him.
“They have spoken of blackmail, I have heard tell that I was seeking money and my friend was as well,” Benzema said. “That makes me crazy, I never spoke about money.”
Benzema’s involvement in the plot has not yet been fully determined but investigators believe he was approached by a childhood friend, Karim Zenati, to act as an intermediary and convince Valbuena to deal directly with the blackmailers.
Benzema, who denies any wrongdoing, has also been placed under judicial supervision, meaning he cannot meet with Valbuena during the investigation. If the case continues to drag on until Euro 2016 starts on June 10, France coach Didier Deschamps won’t be able to call both players in his squad for the continental tournament.
“I don’t know any blackmailers. Zenati has been my friend since childhood. He has been in jail but he is out and has another chance. He has his past but he is my friend.”
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls joined in the criticism of Benzema on Tuesday, saying he “has no place” in the national team, days after Valbuena said he felt betrayed by his France teammate.
“I am faithful to my friends and family, I am a good example to young people,” Benzema said in defense of the comments made by Valls.
Asked about the criticism from Valbuena regarding his involvement in the incident, Benzema said: “When I spoke with Valbuena in his room he told me “‘Thanks brother for giving me a heads-up.’ I don’t think that Valbuena believes what was said in the interview. I think the statements, the lawyers and all that came out at the time conditioned his comments.
Today.ng
No comments:
Post a Comment