Karim Benzema Drags French Minister to Court Over Alleged Defamation

• Karim Benzema on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin
• Darmanin, in October, made controversial sentiments about Benzema’s faith
• Benzema’s lawyer says the comments undermined the striker’s reputation

Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema is set for a legal battle with French Interior Minister Brotherhood

Benzema filed a defamation complaint against the French Minister after he controversially claimed the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner had links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

The comments were made in October 2023, just as the Israel-Hamas war broke out.

Benzema tweeted support for the people of Gaza, saying they were victims of “unjust bombardments which spare neither women nor children.”

Darmanin, who took note of Benzema’s sentiments, highlighted the striker’s lack of support towards Israel, who also had casualties in the war. At least 1300 people from Israel were confirmed to have lost their lives by the time Benzema’s tweet went viral, according to France24.

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Details of Benzema’s complaint

According to BBC, Benzema, through his lawyers, has filed a 92-page complaint.

In his lawsuit, the Al-Ittihad striker, who is of Muslim faith, denied allegations of having ties to the Sunni Muslim Islamist group.

"I am aware of the extent to which, because of my notoriety, I am being used in political games, which are all the more scandalous given that the dramatic events since October 7 deserve something quite different from this type of statement,” Benzema’s statement read in part.

His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, also alleged Benzema is the victim of “political exploitation”.

As of January 17, Darmanin is yet to comment on the lawsuit.

In October, the French Minister insisted he had no issues with Benzema and was just surprised the Real Madrid legend did not tweet any support towards Israel.

This is not the first time Benzema and the French Minister have butted heads.

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Darmanin has always been critical of the 36-year-old striker and once called him out for his refusal to sing the French national anthem.

Benzema linked with Man United move

In related news, Karim Benzema was linked with a move to Manchester United.

At 36, Benzema still ranks as one of the most lethal strikers in world football and has scored 15 goals for Al-Ittihad across all competitions this season.

However, as Sports Brief reported, Benzema is among several big names who have failed to properly settle in the Middle East.