Hayne ‘vehemently denies’ rape claim
LEAGUE
Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne has hired a leading American lawyer and vowed to ‘‘vigorously defend’’ rape allegations made against him by a woman in California.
The Parramatta Eels star declined to answer questions directly at his NRL club’s training in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, but later issued a statement through his new lawyer.
Hayne, 29, said he ‘‘vehemently denies’’ the allegation that he raped a 25-year-old woman, called Ms V in lawsuit documents filed with the Santa Clara County Court, in December 2015 when he was playing in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers.
The Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office previously concluded that there was not enough evidence to prove a crime beyond a reasonable doubt and elected not to lay charges against the code-hopper.
NRL.com reported on Wednesday that Hayne had hired American attorney Mark Baute, who successfully defended rape accusations levelled at NBA basketball star Derrick Rose in 2016.
Baute released a statement on Hayne’s behalf on Wednesday afternoon.
‘‘Mr Hayne is innocent and will ask a United States jury to find him innocent,’’ Baute said.
‘‘There is no objective evidence of any sexual assault in this matter and the lawsuit lacks merit. We do not intend to ‘try this case in the media’ and will refrain from further public comment, other than to say that Mr Hayne and I look forward to the day when a jury can decide he is innocent.’’
Hayne said in the same statement: ‘‘The last week or so have been personally distressing for not only me but my family and friends, as civil proceedings making serious allegations have been publicly aired, and certain media have followed me on a personal pre-planned trip to the other side of the world.
‘‘I was not given any notice of these proceedings prior to any media reports. I confirm that I unequivocally and vehemently deny the allegations made against me and I will be vigorously defending the matter. As everyone should understand, I cannot publicly discuss anything relating to this matter as it is now the subject of legal proceedings in the United States.
‘‘I’d like to thank all my family, friends and fans who have both privately and publicly sent messages of support. My request to the media is to provide my family and I respect and privacy at this time.
‘‘I cannot and will not make any further comment regarding this matter until the legal proceedings are concluded.
‘‘I urge you to please respect this request for not only me but my family and teammates. I have the utmost faith in the United States justice system and have left this matter with my legal team.’’
Hayne said he would speak once the legal action is over.
‘‘After the court case is finished, I can and I will.’’