Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla has threatened to sue French footballer Kylian Mbappe for 'gender-based violence' following a heated exchange sparked by her racist social media post. The confrontation began after Mbappe scored the winning penalty in France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay on July 4, 2026, during the World Cup.
Racist post triggers backlash
After the match, Amarilla posted on X an image of Mbappe celebrating, accompanied by offensive remarks. 'The brute didn't even learn to write,' she wrote. 'Instead of mother's milk, he sucked on coconuts, and the most educated thing he heard were chimpanzees.' She also directed a comment at Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill, suggesting he should have shown Mbappe the finger. The post was deleted after widespread condemnation.
Mbappe responded on July 7, calling Amarilla 'a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.' He accused her of 'brazen racism' and stated that her actions had overshadowed Paraguay's historic World Cup effort. 'I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world,' he wrote.
Senator demands apology, threatens lawsuit
Amarilla issued an open letter on social media, demanding Mbappe apologise for his 'aggression.' She wrote: 'My posts were written in the heat of the moment. My mixed-race blood, the beautiful blend of Indigenous and Spanish heritage that runs through my veins, was boiling. I regretted responding with the same insults that I myself have received... I understand that it upset you, because it was humiliating. Now I expect you to do the same: withdraw your remarks and apologise to me.'
She labelled Mbappe's comments as 'gender-based violence' and 'political violence against a woman who reached her position through the votes of her people.' She threatened legal proceedings unless Mbappe retracts his remarks and apologises. Speaking to Paraguayan media on July 8, Amarilla referenced Ronaldinho's imprisonment in Paraguay in 2020, warning Mbappe: 'He shouldn't underestimate me, I can sue him for gender violence and political violence.'
Mbappe's stance and wider reaction
Mbappe has not yet responded to Amarilla's latest threat. The controversy has drawn widespread attention, with many condemning Amarilla's original racist comments while questioning the validity of her gender violence claim. The incident has overshadowed Paraguay's World Cup campaign, which saw them eliminated after the defeat to France.
