New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has a friendly relationship with President Donald Trump and has often praised his administration. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images White House Trump says Kraft being charged in prostitution ring is 'very sad'

President Donald Trump said Friday it is “very sad” that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is a close friend of the president, was charged with allegedly soliciting prostitution at a spa in Florida.

“It’s very sad. I was very surprised to see it,” the president told reporters in the Oval Office. “He’s proclaimed his innocence totally, but I’m very surprised to see it.”


Kraft is facing two charges of soliciting prostitution in Jupiter, Fla., as part of a larger investigation into several day spas and massage parlors. While Kraft is a resident of Massachusetts, he has owned property in Palm Beach.

The New England Patriots owner was reportedly caught on video in two instances visiting Orchids of Asia Day Spa, where authorities said there was evidence of human trafficking. He is one of 25 people facing charges.

A spokesman for Kraft and the Patriots released a statement pushing back against the allegations: “We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”

“Our concern in this investigation centers around the possibility of victims of human trafficking,” Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr said during a news conference.

Kraft has a friendly relationship with Trump, and has often praised the president’s administration.

According to Florida's Treasure Coast Newspapers, billionaire GOP donor John Childs is also accused of soliciting prostitution at the spa, according to police. Childs has denied the accusation, according to TCPalm.