Karim Benzema Sex Tape Case: Real Madrid Striker Stands Trial In Absentia For Alleged Valbuena Blackmail

The Frenchman denies wrongdoing regarding a case that has been brought to trial six years after the alleged incident occurred.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has stood trial in absentia for his alleged involvement in a plot to blackmail his former team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.

 
The former Lyon forward is accused of being involved in a plot to extort money from his fellow Frenchman ahead of a friendly against Armenia five years ago.

He has been charged with complicity in the attempted blackmail of Valbuena, but was not in court when the trial started on Wednesday. Benzema has denied any wrongdoing in the case.