MILAN – The Moroccan teen in the center of the Italian prime minister’s sex scandal, said she never had sex with the embattled leader.
Karima el-Mahroug, 18, or perhaps better known for her stage name, Ruby the Heartstealer, has Italian investigators interested in her relationship with Silvio Berlusconi, the prime minister.
The dancer was allegedly a frequent guest at parties at Berlusconi’s home outside of Milan.
Prosecutors say these parties appear to be swinging affairs, where dozens of young women would perform for Berlusconi and two of his associates, who also find themselves under an investigation.
Although both Berlusconi and the teen deny ever having sex, prosecutors continue the investigation that may have serious implications. In Italy, prostitution among adults is legal, but it is against the law to pay for sex with a minor—or anyone under 18. It appears the teen was 17 when she attended these parties.
Berlusconi claims he has never paid for sex. Milan prosecutors, however, are building a case in which they claim “a significant number” of prostitutes found their way to private parties at the 74-year-old’s home in exchange for money, gifts and in some cases, rent-free apartments.
Berlusconi says investigators are politically motivated and that he’s the victim of a relentless campaign orchestrated by Italian leftists who want to bring him down.
He narrowly kept his government afloat in December, but insists that Italy needs the continuity and stability that only he can provide right now.
The opposition has called for Berlusconi to resign, and the daily newspaper of the Italian bishops, Avvenire, used a front-page editorial to describe a “devastating tornado that’s beating down not only on the Italian leader and a group of his friends and acquaintances, but on our country’s international image.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
