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Cristiano Ronaldo: Sponsors concerned about rape allegation made against soccer star

<p>Professional soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo has again denied accusations he raped a woman in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.</p><p>The soccer star doubled down on his innocence in a series of tweets Wednesday, saying "Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in." He also added he awaits "the results of any and all investigations" with a clear conscience.</p><p>Last week, former schoolteacher Kathryn Mayorga filed a lawsuit against Ronaldo, claiming he attacked her in Las Vegas in 2009. The suit alleges, in part, Ronaldo raped her and then later apologized. </p><p>It also alleges he and his associates coerced her into signing a settlement and a nondisclosure agreement in exchange for a payment of $375,000. She says she wants the settlement and nondisclosure agreement voided. </p><p>Mayorga says she reported the incident to Las Vegas police but didn't originally name Ronaldo or pursue any charges out of fear. She says the #MeToo movement inspired her to come forward now. </p><p>Ronaldo previously denied the accusation in an Instagram Live video, calling her claims "fake, fake news." </p><p>Las Vegas police confirmed on Tuesday they have reopened Mayorga's sexual assault case.</p><p>Additional reporting for this story provided by Newsy affiliate <a href="cnn.com" target="_blank">CNN</a>.</p><hr><b>Trending stories at <a href="http://www.newsy.com">Newsy.com</a></b><ul class="inline-related-links"><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/eric-reid-back-in-nfl-congratulated-by-colin-kaepernick/">Eric Reid Is Back In The NFL With The Carolina Panthers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/world-anti-doping-agency-lifts-ban-on-russia/">World Anti-Doping Agency Lifts Ban On Russia</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/568abef70e529a0c5e232798-2/">Orioles Make History With Braille Uniform</a></li></ul>
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Cristiano Ronaldo and his club Juventus have started to experience blowback over the rape allegations surrounding the Portuguese star.

Two leading sponsors of the 33-year-old are "monitoring the situation," while shares in Juventus -- which have risen more than 100% in the last six months, owing largely to the record signing of Ronaldo in July -- fell more than five percent after it issued a statement of support for the player.

"We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo," EA Sports said in a statement sent to CNN Sport.

"We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values."

It was also widely reported that Nike is "deeply concerned" by the allegations made against he Juventus star, who has a reported $1 billion endorsement deal with the US sportswear giant.

"We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation," said the Nike statement, which was first obtained by AP. Nike did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.

Juventus' record signing has been accused of raping Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Las Vegas police this week re-opened the complaint made by Mayorga, who is said to be suffering "psychological" damage from the incident.

Ronaldo, one of the wealthiest and most famous sports stars in the world, released a statement Wednesday denying the charges, which allege that he raped Mayorga while she repeatedly screamed no, according to a lawsuit filed in Clark County, Nevada, last week.

READ: Rape allegations against Ronaldo 'not fake news,' says accuser's lawyer

READ: Ronaldo sued over alleged rape in Las Vegas hotel room

On Thursday, Juventus posted messages of support to "great champion" Ronaldo on Twitter.

The Italian club tweeted: "Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus. The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion."

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, regarded as one of the greatest to have played the game, has been left out of Portugal's squad for upcoming friendlies against Poland on October 11 and Scotland three days later.

Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes has also given his "total solidarity" towards Ronaldo as "his good name and reputation are being questioned."

But Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that the star will play for the reigning Serie A champions in Saturday's league match against Udinese.

Attorney Larissa Drohobyczer of Stovall & Associates, the law firm representing Mayorga, told reporters in Las Vegas Wednesday that her client shows signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a psychiatrist hired by Stovall.

Mayorga's lawsuit accuses Ronaldo and his team of taking advantage of Mayorga's fragile emotional state to coerce her into signing a settlement and nondisclosure agreement in 2009.

She claims she received $375,000 in exchange for her silence. Her lawsuit seeks to void the settlement and agreement.

"We believe we have the factual basis to ask the court to set aside the agreement so we can litigate ... for damages," Leslie Stovall, Mayorga's co-counsel, said at the news conference.

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