Jarryd Hayne has strenuously denied allegations raised in a U.S. civil court filing that he raped a woman in 2015 during his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.
His lawyer, Ramy Qutami of Madison Marcus Law Firm, issued a statement yesterday afternoon denying the claims made by the woman, who is known only as Ms. V. The statement reads as follows:
Mr Hayne and his management are aware of recent media speculation in relation to a civil complaint filed in the United States of America making certain allegations in relation to an event which allegedly occurred in 2015 while playing for the San Francisco 49ers. Mr Hayne has not been served with any proceedings or formal complaint relating to the incident.
Mr Hayne previously addressed a complaint made to the District Attorney’s office in the County of Santa Clara, California in 2016 and the District Attorney did not proceed any further with the matter due to insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations. Mr Hayne provided all reasonable assistance to the District Attorney with that investigation.
Mr Hayne unequivocally and vehemently denies the allegations which are the subject of the civil complaint.
Ms. V claims that she is in possession of Hayne’s “undergarment” as proof of the assault for police to test. She alleges that Hayne took her back to his San Jose home after a 49ers game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi’s Stadium and had nonconsensual sexual intercourse with her.
The woman claims that she was a virgin at the time of the alleged assault. According to the complaint, she “awoke in the same room and in the same bed. She was naked, draped in a single sheet, and still in significant vaginal pain.”
The San Jose Police Department reportedly investigated the alleged assault, but found there was not enough evidence to formally charge Hayne with a crime. As a result, the woman has sought redress through a civil trial.
The suit contains four complaints against Hayne including sexual battery, gender violence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
An NRL spokesperson said it was unlikely at this stage that the league would ban Hayne, given the fact the matter did not proceed to a criminal trial.
“We note that the police in the United States did not proceed with any criminal proceedings but we will review the information available and continue to monitor the civil case,” the spokesperson said.
