Jarryd Hayne accused in US court filing of 2015 rape while playing for NFL’s San Francisco 49ers
THE lawyer of Jarryd Hayne says the NRL star “unequivocally and vehemently” denies raping a woman in the US and that he has co-operated with the District Attorney over the civil court complaint.
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NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been accused of raping a virgin during his time with the San Francisco 49ers NFL team, civil court documents filed in a Californian court have revealed.
The NRL star, who played for the 49ers in 2015, was accused of rape in a civil suit filed in Santa Clara County today.
READ THE EXPLOSIVE COURT DOCUMENTS IN FULL BELOW
The suit, filed in the California Superior Court, claims Hayne engaged in nonconsensual sexual intercourse with a “Ms. V” in December 2015.
The issue is being dealt with as a civil suit — rather than a criminal matter — because the District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and rejected it on the basis of insufficient evidence.
Hayne has unequivocally and vehemently denied the claims.
His Sydney-based lawyer Ramy Qutami of Madison Marcus Law Firm has put out a statement this afternoon stating: “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.
“Mr Hayne will not be making any further comment in relation to this matter.”
A spokesman for the NRL said the Integrity Unit would monitor the case.
“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,” a spokesman told the NRL website.
Parramatta chairman Max Donnelly released a statement on Wednesday afternoon, revealing the club had been unaware of the allegations until they were made public.
“As with any legal matter, it is important that we follow due process and ensure that we review all relevant information available, including giving Jarryd the opportunity to respond.” the statement read.
The alleged incident took place in December 2015 but the matter wasn’t brought to police until May 2016, the same month Hayne quit the NFL to pursue a career with the Fiji Rugby Sevens team.
There is no suggestion Hayne quit the NFL because of the police investigation at the time.
The DA’s office rejected the case on October 25, 2016, but declined to elaborate further on the matter except to say there was not enough evidence to prove the crime of rape beyond a reasonable doubt.
The civil suit filed this week states the victim was a virgin at the time and was afraid to come forward for several months, and eventually sought medical treatment for continued vaginal pain. According to the suit, the victim reported the alleged rape to the police in May of 2016.
The civil suit includes claims of sexual battery, gender violence, infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
The documents say that Hayne initially denied having sex with the woman but then later admitted that they had “hooked up”.
The documents also say that the woman kept Hayne’s underwear just in case she needed proof of the alleged rape.
One of the woman’s Californian lawyers, Micha Star Liberty, said the papers were filed today and the next stage was to have them served on Hayne’s lawyers.
Then Hayne’s lawyers will have 60 days to file what is in the US called an “answer” but which in Australia is called his defence.
That will be followed by a case management conference when a trial date would be set.
She said the fact that Hayne lived in Australia would not excuse him from defending the case.
“There are legal mechanisms by which he is required to participate,” she said.
Hayne’s long-time representative Wayne Beavis said he was unaware of the claims when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday.
The Rugby League Players’ Association has also released a statement.
“The RLPA would like to reiterate that there is a legal process that needs to be followed through and respected,” the statement said.
“We urge the public to respect the privacy of the individuals involved, particularly while due process is being followed.
“The RLPA is unable to comment any further on the matter.”
The civil suit was first reported in the US Mercury News.
Hayne created a national sensation when he made the decision to quit rugby league and pursue a career in American football in October of 2014.
He joined the 49ers the following March as a running back and made the initial 53-man roster.
In Hayne’s pre-season debut against the Houston Texans he ran for 63 yards from just five carries and was the starting punt returner for the 49ers season opener against Minnesota.
READ THE EXPLOSIVE COURT DOCUMENTS IN FULL BELOW
Overall, Hayne appeared in eight matches in the 2015 season, gaining 52 yards from 17 carries and catching six passes for 27 yards. He also returned eight punts for 76 yards.
Hayne announced his NFL retirement in May of 2016 and a brief stint with the Fijian rugby sevens side precipitated a return to the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans.
After two troubled seasons with the Titans, Hayne will link with Parramatta in 2018.
THE COURT DOCUMENTS
