Judge Tosses Crown’s Case in Vegas: Ronaldo Wins?
So here’s the headline: a U.S. judge has tossed the Las Vegas rape lawsuit against football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Sky News. The claim, lodged by Kathryn Mayorga back in September 2018, alleges that the Portuguese star assaulted her in a Vegas hotel penthouse in 2009 and then paid her $375,000 in hush‑money. Ronaldo—now dazzling fans with Manchester United—has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.
What Went Wrong?
The judge’s key gripe? Judge Jennifer Dorsey blasted the way documents were obtained. She called the process “bad faith” and said the misuse of evidence was sufficient for a dismissal. Even though Ronaldo won a legal reprieve, the judge warned that merely “disqualifying” the plaintiff’s lawyer, Leslie Mark Stovall, won’t undo the harm—those tainted documents are kept in the very core of the case’s claims.
Why It Matters
- Ronaldo’s record stays clean—no added legal baggage.
- But the judge’s harsh warning slams Stovall for letting procedural shortcuts cause a wreck.
- The ruling underscores that even tiny procedural missteps can create substantial prejudice for the defendant.
Bottom line: the court decided not to let the lawsuit slam through unchecked, and Ronaldo’s name is cleared—at least for the moment. He can get back to crushing defenses on the pitch. Meanwhile, the case is a reminder that lawyers need to keep it honest if they want to keep the ball rolling in the courtroom.
