"Mâle aimé": Benzema Denounces "Fake News" About Canceled Nike Photoshoot
Karim Benzema has called out "fake news" on Instagram regarding reports of a canceled Nike photoshoot. The Athletic had published that Nike had called off a scheduled photo session with the French forward, citing that the brand was re-examining Benzema's widely reported past transgressions, which they deemed incompatible with Nike's values.
This report potentially alluded to the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner's 2021 conviction. Benzema received a one-year suspended prison sentence and a €75,000 fine for complicity in blackmail related to a sextape involving Mathieu Valbuena. He withdrew his appeal in 2022, and the incident also led to his exclusion from the French national team.
End of Partnership with Adidas
Benzema quickly refuted the reports on social media. In an Instagram Story, he posted "Fake news. Mâle aimé" with a finger-to-lips emoji, sending a clear message. He is no longer partnered with Adidas, his long-time kit sponsor, after his departure from Al Hilal this summer.
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