Paraguayan Senator Faces Backlash After Racist Remarks Against Mbappe

A Paraguayan senator who directed racist remarks at French national football team captain Kylian Mbappe has threatened legal action after Mbappe publicly refuted her claims.

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla sparked outrage on July 5 after France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following the match, she insulted Mbappe, who scored the winning goal, on her social media.

Amarilla posted derogatory comments, stating, "This beast hasn't even learned how to write," and "He grew up sucking on coconuts instead of breast milk." In response, Mbappe posted a photo of Amarilla on his own social media, stating, "I will never let people like you spread hatred and racism."

However, about 10 hours after Mbappe's statement was posted, Amarilla did not apologize. Instead, she targeted Mbappe again, demanding an apology from him.

On social media, Amarilla claimed, "Your arrogant attitude was revealed, and your contempt was visible," alleging that Mbappe had made sexually offensive remarks toward Paraguayan players without covering his mouth.

Furthermore, regarding Mbappe's comment that she was "unfit for her position," she retorted, "I am an elected senator of Paraguay. Who are you to treat me as unfit or contemptible without even knowing me?"

Amarilla continued by threatening, "This is blatant gender-based violence. You are insulting me because I am a woman. Retract this and apologize in a manner befitting a French citizen. If you do not, I will take legal action for gender-based violence."

In response to her defiant demands, the Paraguayan government issued a statement expressing regret over Amarilla's remarks toward Mbappe and clarifying that it does not agree with her claims.

The Paraguayan government further distanced itself from the senator, reiterating that Amarilla's comments do not represent the position of the Paraguayan government or its people.

Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Ahn Jun-hyeok | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.