The Munich I public prosecutor's office has officially closed the investigation into former football star Jérôme Boateng concerning allegations of bodily harm against his ex-girlfriend, Kasia Lenhardt. This decision comes after a protracted legal battle that began in late 2019 and was significantly impacted by Lenhardt's tragic suicide in 2021.
Initially, the investigation was launched following accusations that Boateng had assaulted Lenhardt in a Munich hotel room in October 2019. The allegations included claims of intentional bodily harm and coercion. However, the proceedings were temporarily halted before being reopened after Lenhardt's death, as new evidence suggested that she may have suffered serious injuries at the hands of Boateng shortly before her passing.
Despite these serious allegations, the public prosecutor's office determined that there was insufficient evidence to justify an indictment. "The evidence was not sufficient to lead to a charge," stated the prosecutor's office, emphasizing the principle of 'in dubio pro reo'—meaning in doubt, for the accused.
Boateng expressed relief over the closure of the case, stating, "I am glad that the Munich public prosecutor's office has finally closed the proceedings against me after five years. It acknowledges that my statements were correct and that the accusations against me were false. I hope that my family and I can now find peace." His comments reflect a long-standing battle against public scrutiny and allegations that have followed him since the accusations were first made.
The case took a dramatic turn following Lenhardt's suicide, which prompted the Munich authorities to reassess the evidence. Investigators had hoped to substantiate claims that Lenhardt had been severely injured by Boateng, potentially documented in an autopsy report. However, the prosecutor's office concluded that the injuries could not be definitively linked to Boateng.
During the investigation, Kasia Lenhardt had previously retracted her accusations, stating in February 2020 that she had fabricated the claims out of anger after Boateng had cheated on her. She had indicated that she was not physically harmed by him, but rather that she bruised easily. This retraction complicated the case, as it raised questions about the credibility of her initial allegations.
Boateng’s legal troubles are not limited to this case. In the summer of 2024, he was found guilty of intentional bodily harm against another ex-girlfriend, the mother of his twin daughters, but was only given a warning and a suspended fine. This previous conviction has added to the scrutiny surrounding his relationships with women.
The investigation into the allegations against Boateng included testimonies and evidence that were often contradictory. For instance, a witness who initially expressed willingness to provide information about the incidents failed to appear for a scheduled questioning and has since become unreachable, further complicating the case.
Boateng's attorney, Leonard Walischewski, welcomed the closure of the case, asserting, "It was about time that the prosecution finally recognized the reality after five years. Every investigative action throughout the process has shown that Mr. Boateng did not commit the acts and could not have committed them."
The relationship between Boateng and Lenhardt, who was a finalist on the show "Germany's Next Topmodel," had drawn significant media attention, particularly due to Boateng's public statements following their breakup. In interviews, he had made serious accusations against Lenhardt, which contributed to the ongoing public and legal scrutiny surrounding both individuals.
As the legal chapter closes, Boateng's future remains uncertain, particularly in light of his previous conviction and the public's perception of his character. He has expressed hope for a more positive outlook for himself and his family moving forward.
In the wake of this high-profile case, the complexities of domestic violence allegations and the impact of public opinion on legal proceedings have been brought to the forefront. The closure of the investigation into Jérôme Boateng serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by both victims and the accused in such sensitive legal matters.
For those struggling with similar issues, support is available through various channels, including the Telephone Counseling Service, which offers anonymous and free assistance.
