'Disrespectful' Anthony Joshua scolded by rape victims' charity for hailing Cristiano Ronaldo and saying he has been 'f***** by women and tax' despite sexual assault allegations Anthony Joshua has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for 'smiling' despite rape claims Kathryn Mayorga claims Ronaldo raped her in 2009 but Joshua said: 'Two things you get f***** for as an athlete is women and tax, he's got f***** for both' Ronaldo settled a case for tax fraud in Spain in January, avoiding jail Joshua's comments have been slammed by Rape Crisis England and Wales Ronaldo denies rape and paying hush money to Mayorga By Chris Cutmore for MailOnline Published: 10:10 GMT, 4 March 2019 | Updated: 10:23 GMT, 4 March 2019 Viewcomments Anthony Joshua has been branded 'inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful' for praising Cristiano Ronaldo – despite him being accused of rape. Joshua said Ronaldo is being 'f***** by women and tax'. The Juventus forward, 34, has denied raping Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. Mayorga also claims she was paid £280,000 hush money to keep quiet about the incident. A police investigation is ongoing. World heavyweight boxing champion Joshua said that he admired Ronaldo for 'still smiling' despite the allegations, but his comments were criticised by a leading rape charity. Anthony Joshua (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo posed for an Instagram picture back in January Former school teacher Kathryn Mayorga claims that the Juventus forward raped her in his Las Vegas hotel room in June 2009; they are pictured together here in Rain Night Club that year 'I've always said two things you'd get f***** for as an athlete is women and tax, he's got f***** for both and he's still smiling, still strong,' said Joshua at a promotional event in New York. 'You need mental strength, he's proved that. 'He's a family man, he's got that aspect, but still out working and he's dedicated to what he does. 'So as a sportsman he's had the issue of one side, he's got the family on the other side, and he balances what he's passionate about. 'He completes all the packages, so I like Ronaldo for that reason.' Joshua has been criticised for praising Ronaldo amid allegations of serious sexual assault Joshua said of Ronaldo: 'I've always said two things you'd get f***** for as an athlete is women and tax, he's got f***** for both and he's still smiling, still strong' Mayorga also claims she was given a hush money payment of £280,000 by Ronaldo Katie Russell, the Rape Crisis England and Wales national spokeswoman, told The Telegraph: 'It's inappropriate, insensitive and disrespectful to make jokes or flippant remarks about allegations or instances of sexual violence and abuse in any context. 'Arguably, those in the public eye, who may be considered a role model to many, including impressionable young people, have a particular responsibility not to trivialise such serious issues. 'Experiences of sexual violence and abuse can have wide-ranging and long-term impacts on victims' and survivors' health, lives and relationships. 'As a society, we need to develop more empathy and understanding about that if we are ever to see more of those impacted by sexual violence and abuse get the support they need, want and deserve.' In January Ronaldo accepted a fine and a suspended jail term for tax fraud in Spain. The charges relate to unpaid tax between 2011 and 2014 during his time with Real Madrid, with prosecutors alleging that he channeled image-rights payments through off-shore companies to avoid paying tax. Settling the case in the Spanish court will cost Ronaldo £16.5million. Joshua, who has so far taken pride in cultivating a clean-cut image in contrast to many of boxing's ugly promotional tactics, was speaking ahead of his upcoming fight with Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden in June. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility