In a pivotal development in the enduring legal battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kathryn Mayorga, the US court has denied Mayorga’s recent appeal against a previously settled hush-money agreement.
Dating back to 2009, when Ronaldo was accused of rape, the football star settled with Mayorga in 2010, agreeing to pay $335,000 to resolve the matter.
The recent appeal, seeking to overturn the settlement, was dismissed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, aligning with Ronaldo’s position.
Mayorga’s lawyer, Leslie Mark Stovall, had pursued an increase in the settlement to over $25 million, citing various legal grounds.
Despite the US District Judge Jennifer Dorsey’s rejection in June 2022, Stovall proceeded with the appeal, arguing for Mayorga’s right to disclose the confidentiality agreement publicly.
The 9th Circuit Court not only dismissed the appeal but also imposed a substantial fine of $335,000 on Stovall.
The court emphasised that, despite the confidentiality agreement, Stovall had utilised documents from ‘Football Leaks’ obtained through a cyber hack to initiate a new lawsuit against Ronaldo.
This ruling not only closes the door on Mayorga’s appeal but also introduces financial repercussions for Stovall, adding a layer of complexity to a legal saga spanning over 14 years.
