Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla has demanded an apology from France captain Kylian Mbappe after he accused her of 'brazen racism,' and she has threatened legal action against the Real Madrid forward. In an open letter, Amarilla said her problem was specifically with Mbappe, not France, and expressed regret for mistreating him with 'the same insults' she received as a mixed-race person. She deleted her original post but accused Mbappe of gender-based violence, demanding he withdraw his comments and apologise or face legal proceedings.
Background of the Controversy
The row began when Amarilla, a member of Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, posted a series of comments after Mbappe scored a penalty against Paraguay in the World Cup. She targeted his origins, upbringing, education, and appearance. Mbappe responded publicly, tweeting: 'Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition. Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country. I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.'
French Football Federation Condemns Remarks
The French Football Federation (FFF) also condemned Amarilla's comments, describing them as 'utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.' They planned to refer the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings. In a tweet, the FFF said: 'The racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappé are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. How can anyone make such comments? These remarks are criminal and deserve condemnation. They must be prosecuted, here and elsewhere. The FFF is referring the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings. The Federation offers its full support to its captain, its players and, more broadly, to all victims of such hateful remarks. More than ever, the FFF remains committed to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination. These comments bring shame on those who make them and those who spread them. The players of the French national team represent France, it is our country that has been insulted.'
Amarilla's History and Government Response
It appears that Amarilla's social media activity against Mbappe is not an isolated incident. She warned not to let her into the stadium, as she threatened to turn into a hardcore fan before expressing disdain towards the footballer. The Paraguayan government also released a statement denouncing Amarilla's comments as 'contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.'
