French prosecutors probe racist insults against Mbappé by Paraguay senator

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into racist insults directed at Kylian Mbappé by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla, following a complaint from the French Football Federation (FFF). The probe targets aggravated public insult and incitement to hatred, with potential penalties of up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine Source: apnews.

The incident

After France beat Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 on July 4, Amarilla posted a series of racist comments on X, calling Mbappé a "colonised Cameroonian" and mocking his appearance and education Source: theguardian. Mbappé responded, calling her a "despicable woman" and stating he would "never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world" Source: aljazeera.

Official reactions

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support, saying "One more goal for Kylian Mbappé — this time against racism" Source: dwnews. The FFF condemned the remarks as "utterly abhorrent" and filed a legal complaint Source: euronewsen. Paraguay's government distanced itself, asserting Amarilla's views do not represent the country Source: latimes.

Amarilla's response

Amarilla later issued an open letter expressing regret for using "the same insults" she had received as a mixed-race person, but also demanded an apology from Mbappé, accusing him of "gender-based violence" and threatening legal action Source: apnews.

Broader context

Before the match, former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert referred to France as "a squad from Africa," which the FFF president called "a fall into disgrace" Source: theguardian.