Karim Benzema has filed a defamation suit against French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who last year said the former Real Madrid star had “notorious” links to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Darmanin, a hard-right with plans for the French presidency, criticized Benzema after the former France striker and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner posted on the X platform in mid-October in support of the people of Gaza who, he claimed, were victims of “unjust bombing” carried out by Israel in retaliation for the October 7th attack by Hamas.
Darmanin responded to Benzema’s post stating that the player “has a notorious connection with the Muslim Brotherhood”, a Sunni Muslim Islamist group from Egypt.
The legal challenge, filed by Benzema’s lawyer Hugues Vigier, says the remarks “undermine” the player’s honor and reputation.
In his complaint, Benzema, who plays for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, says he “has never had the slightest connection with the Muslim Brotherhood, nor with anyone who claims to be a member of it.”
In October, Darmanin said he had “nothing against” Benzema, but that it was “astounding” that he did not post anything in support of Israelis killed in a Hamas attack or a French teacher who was stabbed to death by a former student earlier this month.
The lawsuit was filed with the Court of Justice, the only French court authorized to prosecute members of the government for offenses committed in the course of their duties.
