Belgian model Stephanie Rose Bertram has publicly refuted explosive accusations that she intentionally sought to conceive a child with French football icon Kylian Mbappé as a means to guarantee financial security and celebrity status. The claims, which surfaced amid swirling dating rumors in late 2022 and early 2023, originated from a French gossip blogger known as Aqababe, who alleged Bertram was actively attempting to “seduce and entrap” the then-Paris Saint-Germain forward. The post quickly ignited a firestorm of online harassment directed at the 29-year-old mother-of-one, prompting her to break her usual silence on tabloid speculation.

Bertram, who shares two children with her former partner, Dutch footballer Grégory van der Wiel (a one-time PSG teammate of Mbappé), had been romantically linked to the World Cup winner following her split from van der Wiel in spring 2022. Paparazzi photos and social media speculation fueled the narrative, with some outlets suggesting a budding relationship. However, neither Mbappé nor Bertram ever confirmed any romance, and sources close to both parties consistently described the connection as unverified friendship or mere acquaintance at most. Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, has maintained a notably private personal life, rarely addressing such gossip.

The turning point came when Aqababe’s blog post accused Bertram of pursuing Mbappé specifically to become pregnant, framing it as a calculated move by a “gold digger” seeking to capitalize on his immense wealth and status. The post referenced her past high-profile links, including sightings with Leonardo DiCaprio, to paint her as a serial clout-chaser. Within hours, Bertram faced a barrage of abusive messages on Instagram, where her following exceeds one million. Insults ranged from misogynistic slurs to threats, with many fans of Mbappé joining the pile-on, defending their idol from perceived manipulation.

Refusing to let the lies fester, Bertram addressed her followers directly in a lengthy Instagram statement. She emphasized that she rarely engages with rumors, but declared this particular line crossed into unacceptable territory. “Lies have been spread about me,” she wrote, calling the accusations “pure evil” and highlighting the harm caused by baseless claims. Without naming the blogger explicitly, she condemned the spread of malicious falsehoods that endangered her reputation and mental well-being. The post garnered widespread support from her fans, who flooded the comments with messages of solidarity, criticizing the double standards applied to women in the public eye.

The incident underscores broader issues in celebrity culture, particularly the toxic intersection of football fandom, misogyny, and social media. “Baby trapping” allegations—where a woman is accused of using pregnancy to bind a wealthy partner—are a recurring trope in gossip targeting high-profile athletes’ rumored partners. Such claims often lack evidence yet thrive on speculation, disproportionately affecting women while sparing men similar scrutiny. In Bertram’s case, the narrative ignored her established career as a successful international model who has worked with major brands and appeared in high-fashion campaigns since her teens.

Experts in digital harassment note that these episodes can have lasting psychological effects, including anxiety and withdrawal from public platforms. Bertram’s decision to speak out was praised by some as empowering, demonstrating resilience against cyberbullying. Supporters pointed out her independence—she has built her own brand, raised children, and navigated post-breakup life without relying on romantic links for relevance.

Mbappé himself has never commented on the rumors or the ensuing controversy. His focus remains on his career, where he continues to dominate as one of the world’s top forwards. The absence of any confirmation from him helped deflate the story over time, with most mainstream outlets treating it as unsubstantiated gossip rather than fact. By 2024 and into 2026, occasional rehashes of the “Mbappé girlfriend” timeline have resurfaced, but Bertram’s firm denial and the lack of ongoing evidence have largely put the matter to rest.

The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the speed and venom with which online mobs can form. What began as a blogger’s unsubstantiated claim escalated into widespread abuse, highlighting the need for platforms to better moderate harmful content and for public figures to set boundaries against invasive speculation. Bertram’s response not only defended her dignity but also spotlighted the human cost of celebrity rumors—particularly those weaponizing gender stereotypes.

In an industry where personal lives are endlessly dissected, Bertram’s stand reminds us that behind the headlines are real people facing real pain. Her graceful rebuttal, delivered without stooping to personal attacks, has earned her renewed respect from many who see her as a victim of unfair targeting rather than the villain the rumors portrayed.

As Mbappé thrives at Real Madrid and Bertram continues her modeling career and family life, the saga fades into past gossip. Yet it leaves a lasting reminder: in the age of viral accusations, truth often struggles to catch up, but speaking out can reclaim the narrative.