On July 7, 2026, Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla publicly demanded an apology from French football star Kylian Mbappé following a controversial exchange that has sparked discussions about racism and gender-based violence. In an open letter shared on social media, Amarilla retracted her earlier racial slurs but maintained her criticism of Mbappé's behavior during a recent match.
Details of the Controversy
Amarilla's remarks stemmed from comments made by Mbappé prior to their World Cup round-of-16 match, where Paraguay suffered a 1-0 defeat due to a penalty scored by him. The senator expressed her frustration over Mbappé's perceived arrogance, particularly criticizing his refusal to shake hands with their goalkeeper. In her letter, she stated, "In a single moment, you showed your contempt, your arrogance and your bad manners. It hurt me and it hurt my whole country deeply."
After facing backlash for her comments, Amarilla stated, "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." She called for Mbappé to retract his comments labeling her as a "despicable woman who is unworthy of office" and demanded an apology, claiming, "This is gender-based violence, plain and simple."
Government Response
The controversy escalated when the French Football Federation lodged a complaint with the Paris prosecutor's office, leading to a probe into Amarilla's public insults. In response to Amarilla's remarks, the Government of Paraguay issued a statement condemning her comments, asserting that they do not represent the views of the Paraguayan people. The statement emphasized the commitment to promoting human rights and equality.
