Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Jorginho has publicly defended pop star Chappell Roan following a viral controversy that erupted during Lollapalooza weekend in Brazil nearly a month ago.
The incident, which triggered significant online backlash against the 28-year-old singer, centred on allegations her bodyguard had aggressively confronted the 34-year-old midfielder’s stepdaughter, aged 11, at a São Paulo hotel last month.
In a statement released on Monday, the Flamengo footballer sought to rectify the situation following fresh details.
He wrote: “I would like to give an update on what happened during Lolla weekend, as we have been seeing and hearing a lot over the past few weeks and felt it was important to clarify everything now that new information has come to light.”
Jorginho explained his original statement came in the heat of the moment, prompted by reports a male security guard had approached his wife, Catherine, and their child in an intimidating manner.
He said: “I reacted as any father would.
“My priority is, and always will be, protecting my family, and that is exactly what I did.”
The footballer maintained events unfolded as he initially described them, although he acknowledged acting upon the information available at the time.
Catherine Harding married Jorginho, where they have one son together
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He emphasised subsequent revelations had altered his understanding of certain aspects of the incident.
According to Jorginho, the security guard subsequently confirmed he had been working for a different artist staying at the hotel during the incident.
Roan personally contacted Catherine and their respective teams held discussions.
They revealed it had become apparent the singer had been entirely unaware of the breakfast confrontation.
The singer apologised if the way her bodyguard conducted himself made anyone upset | INSTAGRAM
Jorginho said: “It became clear that she had no knowledge of what took place at breakfast and had not asked anyone to approach them.
“She was understanding and sympathetic to what had happened to our child.”
Despite remaining uncertain about why the guard approached the family, Jorginho said it was now evident the man had not been acting on Roan’s behalf.
Jorginho described the situation as “ultimately, a misunderstanding” and expressed satisfaction at being able to correct the record.
Jorginho and his partner Cat Harding | AMAZON
“I regret the impact this situation has had on Chappell Roan, Catherine, Ada, and our family,” he wrote, whilst reaffirming his commitment to defending those closest to him.
“I will always stand up for my family. But I also know how to recognise when things were not quite what they seemed at first.”
The footballer concluded by thanking those who had offered support and made clear he does not condone hate speech directed at anyone involved.
He said: “As far as I am concerned, this matter is closed.”
