Former racing driver Joey Mawson has broken his silence after being cleared of raping Michael Schumacher's nurse.
The 30-year-old Australian appeared before a court in Nyon, Switzerland, last week to face accusations of sexual assault at Schumacher's mansion in Gland, near Geneva.
Mawson wrote on social media: "For the past three years, I have remained largely silent while navigating one of the most difficult periods of my life.
"During that time, I faced false allegations and the challenge of defending my name under intense public scrutiny.
"From the very beginning, I maintained my innocence and trusted that the truth would prevail.
"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my legal team, Luc Vaney and Veronica Abu Zeid, for their tireless work, professionalism, and belief in justice."
"I am grateful that the Swiss justice system reached its verdict and that I was acquitted of all charges."
Mawson continued: "I also want to thank everyone who stood by me, my family, friends, partners, fans, and supporters around the world.
Mawson said: 'I maintained my innocence and trusted that the truth would prevail'
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"Your faith and encouragement gave me strength during the darkest moments, and I will never forget it."
The Australian said his focus now is on "turning the page" and returning to motorsport.
He added: "I cannot wait to put my helmet back on, get behind the wheel, and focus on what has always been my greatest passion: racing.
"The past does not define me. My focus is on the future, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
Australian racing driver Joey Mawson appeared before a court in Nyon, Switzerland on Tuesday to face accusations of sexually assaulting a nurse | INSTAGRAM/JOEYMAWSON
"Thank you for continuing this journey with me. See you at the racetrack!"
Mawson strenuously denied the allegations when he appeared in court and maintained that any sexual contact between them was consensual.
The 30-year-old told the court that the nurse had been alert and behaving flirtatiously throughout the evening.
According to evidence presented, the woman became heavily intoxicated that she could not remain standing and had to be carried to her bedroom by colleagues whilst still fully dressed.
Michael Schumacher has lived away from the spotlight ever since his skiing accident in 2013
| GETTYMawson stated: "She was not intoxicated, she was alert and conscious, she was flirting, and she managed to get her leg on the pool table.
"You could see from her body language she was being flirtatious. I knocked on her room, and she invited me in."
The Australian driver explained he remained in her accommodation overnight because he "didn't want the employees to know about the intimate moment we had together".
The court was informed that no members of the Schumacher family were connected to the case.
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