Callum Hudson-Odoi swiftly denied that he was part of Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal after the forward appeared on a list of people involved.
On a false list circulated on X, the 23-year-old found his name alongside other celebrities who had allegedly visited Epstein’s private island.
However, in a statement on Instagram, he clarified that he had never had any involvement with the disgraced financier.
Hudson-Odoi wrote on Instagram: “I have seen this circulating around social media for a while now.
“I wasn’t going to comment on it as it is absurd (and I would’ve been a child at the time).
“However, understanding my position as a role model.
“I would like to make it absolutely clear that I have never been part of the Epstein scandal nor have l ever been to Epstein Island.
“So, please stop tagging me in these posts. Thank you”.
Misinformation
The list is suspected to be pertaining to celebrities who contracted Covid-19 in 2020, with Hudson-Odoi being one of the first sportsmen to catch the virus.
The files in question are part of a defamation case against Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving 20 years for sex-trafficking underage girls.
Names of more than 170 individuals are set to be made public, following a US judge’s order, with the first documents released recently.
Hudson-Odoi’s denial emphasises the potential harm caused by misinformation on social media, particularly regarding sensitive matters like the Epstein case.
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However, the forward left Chelsea in the summer and joined the Trees after he failed to nail down a starting berth at Stamford Bridge.
He has made 12 appearances so far and has a goal and an assist to his name.
He should return to action against Blackpool in an FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday.
