Anthony Joshua criticised by rape victims’ charity over Cristiano Ronaldo comments

Anthony Joshua has been accused of being “inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful” for comments praising Cristiano Ronaldo while the football star faces allegations of rape.

Quoted at a promo event for his upcoming fight with Jarrell Miller, the world heavyweight champion described Ronaldo as his sporting hero and praised the Juventus forward for “still smiling” despite being “f**ked” by women and taxes.

Ronaldo has been accused of raping Kathryn Mayorga, an American model, in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. He strongly denies any wrongdoing and maintains sex was consensual.

Mayorga also claimed that in 2010 she was paid £275,000 to sign a non-disclosure agreement to never go public with the allegations. An investigation into her claims is ongoing.

The 33-year-old footballer was also fined almost €19m (£16.7m) last month after pleading guilty to tax fraud in a Spanish court.

What AJ said

Joshua, 29, said: “Cristiano Ronaldo [is my sporting hero]. I’ve always said two things you’d get f**ked for as an athlete is women and tax. He’s got f**ked for both and he’s still smiling, still strong.

“You need mental strength, he’s proved that. He’s a family man, he’s got that aspect, but still out working and he’s dedicated to what he does.

“So as a sportsman he’s had the issue of one side, he’s got the family on the other side, and he balances what he’s passionate about. He completes all the packages, so I like Ronaldo for that reason.”

The response

Rape Crisis England and Wales national spokeswoman Katie Russell told The Sunday Telegraph: “It’s inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful to make jokes or flippant remarks about allegations or instances of sexual violence and abuse in any context.

“Arguably, those in the public eye, who may be considered a role model to many, including impressionable young people, have a particular responsibility not to trivialise such serious issues.

“Experiences of sexual violence and abuse can have wide-ranging and long-term impacts on victims’ and survivors’ health, lives and relationships. As a society, we need to develop more empathy and understanding about that if we are ever to see more of those impacted by sexual violence and abuse get the support they need, want and deserve.”