Prosecutors in France have launched an investigation into the racist abuse of Kylian Mbappé by a Paraguayan senator. The Paris prosecutor’s office opened the inquiry after the French Football Federation (FFF) filed a complaint with the national unit for combating online hate. Senator Celeste Amarilla, from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical party, posted a torrent of racial abuse against Mbappé on social media after Paraguay’s loss to France at the World Cup.
Amarilla’s remarks were described by the FFF as ‘utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.’ She mocked Mbappé, calling him a ‘colonised Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French’ and a ‘brute who had not learned to write.’ Mbappé responded, calling Amarilla a ‘despicable woman and unworthy of her position.’ He added that her comments were a distraction from Paraguay’s accomplishments at the World Cup and that she gave the worst possible image of her country.
The Paris prosecutor’s office noted that the remarks were allegedly made because of Mbappé’s actual or perceived origin, ethnicity, nationality, race, or religion. The offences are punishable by up to one year of imprisonment and a €45,000 ($51,000) fine. Amarilla later posted an open letter to Mbappé, seeking to lay blame on him for her remarks and demanding an apology. She also accused him of gender-based violence and threatened legal action if he did not retract his comments.
The government of Paraguay distanced itself from Amarilla’s remarks, describing them as ‘contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.’ France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, voiced support for Mbappé, saying ‘Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. Against racism this time.’ Macron’s office said the president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, had written to him to express support and condemn the remarks.
France’s assistant coach, Guy Stephan, condemned Amarilla’s attack, calling it ‘disgraceful, vile, outrageous.’ The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many voicing support for Mbappé and denouncing Amarilla’s racist abuse.
