Ryan Lochte reportedly charged over false robbery claim and summoned back to Rio
Matt Hazlett/Getty Images
According to ESPN, Brazil's Justice Department is summoning Lochte back to Rio to appear in court for a hearing about the night of what he alleged was a robbery in Rio, which he has since described as an "over-exaggeration."
According to ESPN, Lochte will not be permitted to give his testimony in the United States. However, he won't be extradited, as the criminal case will reportedly continue with or without his testimony.
Lochte, along with three other US swimmers, had claimed they were robbed at gunpoint after a night out in Rio. However, in the following days, Rio police found little evidence to support their claims. Reports and security footage appeared to show that the events Lochte described actually stemmed from a fight with security at a gas station where he and his teammates had stopped to use the bathroom.
Lochte and his teammates reportedly damaged the gas station bathroom and were stopped by security when they attempted to leave. In a confrontation with security over the damaged bathroom, security reportedly pulled their guns on the swimmers and demanded money for the damages. The swimmers paid them in cash and left the gas station.
Lochte has since apologized for the incident. He has faced continued backlash this week, as all of his sponsors dropped him as a spokesperson.
Lochte's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
- India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
- New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
- Gold plunges ₹1,450 to ₹72,200, silver prices dive by ₹2,300
- Strong domestic demand supporting India's growth: Morgan Stanley