In a shocking turn of events, French footballer Dimitri Payet, currently playing for Vasco, has found himself embroiled in serious allegations of physical and psychological violence made by lawyer Larissa Natalya Ferrari, 28. Payet has firmly denied these accusations, claiming that the relationship was consensual and that all practices were agreed upon by both parties.
The controversy began when Ferrari filed a lawsuit against Payet, alleging that from August 2024 to March 2025, their relationship was marked by abuse and manipulation. According to Ferrari, she experienced emotional coercion and physical violence during their time together. She stated that Payet would often intimidate her, claiming she could only trust him and that others around her were untrustworthy. This emotional manipulation, she claims, escalated to physical aggression, including slaps and other forms of humiliation.
Payet, who has been married for 18 years and has four children, confirmed the extramarital affair but insisted that their sexual encounters, which included sadomasochistic elements, were consensual. In a statement to the Women’s Police Station (DEAM) in Jacarepaguá, he described how he met Ferrari through social media in August 2024, and their relationship developed into a series of intimate encounters, with the first meeting occurring in September.
During his testimony on April 16, 2025, Payet recounted how Ferrari initiated their sexual relationship by sending him intimate videos and discussing sexual topics. He explained that they engaged in practices involving collars, ropes, and whips, which Ferrari allegedly suggested herself. Payet stated, “She never mentioned any discomfort or problems with these practices.” He even claimed that Ferrari requested slaps during their sexual encounters, which he believes explains the marks she showed in her evidence.
However, Ferrari’s narrative paints a different picture. She alleges that the relationship took a darker turn in December 2024, when Payet’s behavior became increasingly aggressive. "He started to convince me that I could only trust him, that I had disappointed him by telling others about us. That’s when he began to use the term 'punishment' and became more violent," she stated in her complaint.
In January 2025, Ferrari claims that Payet demanded videos of her humiliating herself as a means to prove her feelings for him. This demand, according to her, was part of a broader pattern of emotional manipulation that left her feeling trapped and vulnerable. After their relationship ended, she alleged that Payet threatened to expose her secrets if she did not remain in contact with him.
In response to the allegations, Vasco issued a statement indicating they had not received any formal notification from authorities regarding the claims against Payet. The club emphasized that Payet has been cooperating with the investigation and had already provided his testimony to the police. The statement read, "Vasco da Gama informs that it has not been notified by any authority regarding the recent events involving the athlete Dimitri Payet. The club emphasizes that the player is cooperating with the investigations and has already testified at the Women’s Police Station, as reported."
Payet's lawyer, Sheila Maria Lustoza de Souza Lovati, also defended him by stating that the sexual activities were consensual and part of their mutual interests. She claimed that Ferrari had expressed a desire to engage in various sexual practices, including those that involved humiliation, and that Payet never coerced her into anything against her will.
Ferrari, however, asserts that Payet was aware of her psychological struggles, including her Borderline Personality Disorder, and that he exploited this knowledge to manipulate her. "Dimitri knew about my passion and my psychological issues, using them against me. He convinced me to do things I didn’t want to do," she said, referring to the humiliating acts she alleges he forced her to perform.
The case has gained significant media attention, with many discussing the implications of such allegations against a high-profile athlete. As the investigation continues, both parties are expected to provide further evidence and testimonies to support their claims. Ferrari has made it clear that she intends to pursue justice, stating, "I knew he would deny the assaults. But I will continue seeking justice for myself and for all those who remain silent in the face of abuse. Money, fame, and machismo will not silence me."
As of now, the legal proceedings are ongoing, and the public awaits further developments in this complex and troubling case. The outcome will undoubtedly impact not only the lives of those directly involved but also the broader conversation around consent, power dynamics in relationships, and the responsibilities of public figures.
