Ex-agent of Gareth Bale denies allegations of human trafficking, torture and rape in American court case

An unnamed woman, who has identified as Jane Doe in a complaint filed in California, accused Barnett of trafficking her from Australia to the United Kingdom in 2017, keeping her as a "sex slave" for six years, and raping her more than 39 times. The lawsuit also alleges that CAA helped facilitate Barnett’s actions. Barnett and CAA have both categorically denied the claims.

The complaint describes "institutional abuse at the highest level," claiming Barnett "owned" the complainant and used threats, violence, and coercive control to silence her. It also alleges CAA knew or should have known what was happening and enabled the abuse. The court filing includes detailed claims of physical torture and financial control.

The complaint read: "This is a case about institutional abuse at the highest level. This case is about how one of the world’s most powerful men in sports openly kept a sex slave for years, with the assistance of his employees, accountants, emissaries, and family members, and used his money and power to maintain coercive control over her and keep her in fear for her life and the lives of her children."

In a statement made on Thursday, Barnett said: "The claims made in today’s complaint against me have no basis in reality and are untrue. We will vigorously defend this lawsuit through the appropriate legal process. I am looking forward to being entirely vindicated and exonerated."

CAA's statement read: "While the complaint attempts to connect these allegations to CAA’s business, Ms. Doe has never been an employee, consultant, or contractor of CAA, ICM, or Stellar, nor has she ever had any business connection to CAA, ICM, or Stellar. CAA takes any allegations of this nature seriously, and through counsel, promptly urged Ms. Doe to contact law enforcement in the United Kingdom."

Barnett, who retired last year, was behind major transfers including Bale to Madrid. He sold his agency, Stellar Group, to ICM in 2020, which was later acquired by CAA in 2022. The lawsuit threatens to cast a long shadow over the agencies involved and their due diligence processes.

Barnett and CAA have 20 days to formally respond to the lawsuit in court. If the case proceeds, further evidence and testimony may be presented. The court process is expected to be lengthy and closely watched, given Barnett’s high-profile status in global football.