"I've never taken cocaine and I never will. That is why I knew immediately these pictures did not exist.
"My first thought was, ‘How can we nail this guy?' Premiership players and celebs have become targets for crooks like this. I felt that it was time to make a stand. I want this guy put behind bars to send a message to every blackmailer out there. And he will get his comeuppance, thanks to the work of my agents and the News of the World."
Strong and determined words from Rio but how long will it take him and his first port of call, the internationally renowned crime-fighting News International title, to report this heinous offence down his local police station? Will it ever happen?
Stay with RI this week and we'll bring you the very latest as it (doesn't) occur.
(See also: http://www.redissue.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=230188 )