Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been declared not guilty of rape and attempted rape charges. The 28-year-old athlete was accused of assaulting a 24-year-old woman at his Cheshire mansion in October 2020 and of attempting to rape another woman, aged 29, at his home two years prior. This verdict follows his earlier acquittal in January of six rape charges. The jury’s decision was reached after a three-week trial at Chester Crown Court, with Mendy visibly emotional upon hearing the not guilty verdicts.
Body: Benjamin Mendy, a French international footballer, has been cleared of all charges related to allegations of rape and attempted rape. The jury, comprising six men and six women, deliberated for approximately three hours and 15 minutes before reaching their conclusion, prompting Judge Steven Everett to discharge Mr. Mendy from the dock.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Benjamin Aina KC, argued that Mendy took advantage of his wealth and celebrity status, showing a pattern of behavior where he exploited female guests at parties held at his residence. Aina contended that Mendy was unaccustomed to being refused and demonstrated a sense of entitlement.
One of the complainants, referred to as woman A, claimed that she initially met Mendy in a Barcelona nightclub in late 2017. She later visited his home a year later, accompanied by a mutual friend, and alleged that Mendy tried to rape her in his bedroom, despite her repeated objections. Mendy, however, asserted that they were engaged in consensual flirting, and he visited her room the next morning, where they embraced on a bed. Mendy stated that the woman became upset when he informed her that he had sought permission from his friend to pursue a sexual encounter.
Another complainant, woman B, stated that she was invited to Mendy’s residence in 2019 after spending time with friends at a bar near his house. She claimed that Mendy forcibly took her phone, which contained private photos, and led her to his locked bedroom. According to the woman, Mendy told her to undress, and despite her objections, he proceeded to rape her. She recounted that Mendy remarked afterward, “You’re too shy. It’s fine. I’ve had sex with 10,000 women.” Mendy denied these allegations, insisting that their encounter involved consensual playfulness, and they exchanged contact details to connect on Snapchat.
The prosecution argued that Mendy was accustomed to a lifestyle where women attended his parties, consumed alcohol, and engaged in sexual activities. Mendy denied the prosecutor’s claims, stating that he would never force anyone to engage in sexual activity against their will.
In response to the verdict, Mendy’s solicitor, Jenny Wiltshire, expressed gratitude to the jury for focusing on the evidence presented in the trial rather than rumors and speculation surrounding the case. Wiltshire acknowledged that the legal process had taken a significant toll on Mendy, and he now seeks privacy to begin rebuilding his life.
Conclusion: Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of rape and attempted rape charges by a jury at Chester Crown Court. The trial, spanning three weeks, concluded with Mendy’s acquittal, marking the second time he has been cleared of such allegations. Mendy’s solicitor emphasized the importance of focusing on the evidence presented in the trial and requested respect for Mendy’s privacy as he seeks to move forward and rebuild his life.
