Racism scandal between France star Kylian Mbappé and Paraguayan senator Cerese Amarilla, with the latter demanding an apology from the Real Madrid forward
Kylian Mbappé has been threatened with legal action (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
A Paraguayan senator has threatened legal action against France star Kylian Mbappé after accusing him of “brazen racism”. Celeste Amarilla has demanded an apology from France’s captain after he called her “an incompetent woman who gives the worst image to her country.”
Amarilla has since published an open letter saying her problem lies not with the country of France but with Real Madrid forward Mbappe. She also deleted her original post, expressing regret for abusing Mbappe with “the same insults” he received as a mixed-race person.
However, she accused Mbappé of gender-based violence and demanded that he retract his comments. “Please retract your statements, respect your French nationality and apologize, otherwise we may start legal proceedings for gender-based violence,” she said.
Amarilla, a member of Paraguay’s Freedom Radical Party, sparked controversy after posting a series of comments after Mbappé’s penalty against Paraguay. She targeted his origins, upbringing, education, and appearance.
And Mbappe publicly criticized Amarilla’s harsh comments. He tweeted: “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a vile woman and do not deserve your position.
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“You do not represent Paraguay, who sweated passion and honor throughout the tournament. Through your recklessness and brazen racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and historic efforts of our players in this World Cup, giving way to an incompetent woman who brings the worst image of her country.”
“I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread hatred and racism around the world.”
The French Football Federation also condemned Amarilla’s comments, calling them “completely abhorrent and unacceptable.” They planned to refer the case to the prosecutor’s office with a view to legal proceedings.
Kylian Mbappé has hit back at the Paraguayan senator who sparked a racist uproar after France’s World Cup win. (Image: Getty Images)
They said in a tweet: “The racist comments made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappé are completely abhorrent and unacceptable. How could such comments be made? These comments are criminal and reprehensible. They must be prosecuted here and elsewhere. FFF will refer this matter to the Public Prosecutor’s Office with a view to legal proceedings.”
“The federation fully supports the captain, the players, and more broadly all victims of such hate speech. FFF remains committed, now more than ever, to combating racism and all forms of discrimination. These statements bring shame to those who say them and those who spread them. The players of the French national team represent France, and it is our country that is being insulted.”
“Amarilla’s social media activity towards Mbappé does not appear to be an isolated incident. She threatened to become an avid fan before expressing her disdain for the footballer, which led to her being warned not to be allowed into the stadium.”
The Paraguayan government also issued a statement. They condemned Amarilla’s comments as “contrary to the values and principles that our country promotes that promotes peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.”
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