Cops demand Ronaldo DNA over sex claim

Plan to test rape accuser’s dress

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has reportedly been asked to provide DNA to see if it matches traces found on the dress of a woman who accused him of rape.

Authorities in Las Vegas are said to have issued a warrant and contacted officials in Italy, where the Portuguese star now plays for Juventus, for assistance. Police last year reopened their probe into model Kathryn Mayorga’s claim she was attacked in June 2009. Sources close to ex-Man United ace Ronaldo, who denies any wrongdoing, say he is willing to co-operate.

Miss Mayorga’s dress was reportedly retained by investigators and is said to be a key piece of evidence.

DNA other than hers was found on it by Las Vegas police, according to the Wall Street Journal. Other evidence reportedly held by investigators includes a sexual assault kit used for tests on Miss Mayorga after the alleged attack.

Miss Mayorga, 35, has launched a civil suit claiming the footballer, 33, raped her in his suite at the Palms Casino Resort as she begged him to stop, and that he apologised, saying: “I’m usually a gentleman.” Her legal team at the time brokered a £288,000 settlement which forbade her from discussing her claims.

She reported the alleged attack immediately, but Miss Mayorga’s lawyer claims she was afraid to name the star after an officer warned her she would be “publicly humiliated”.

Ronaldo’s lawyer said his client maintained what happened was consensual so the presence of his DNA was “not surprising”.