Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla Faces Backlash Over Racist Remarks Toward Kylian Mbappé
In the wake of Paraguay’s Round‑of‑16 loss to France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Senator Celeste Amarilla of the Liberal Radical Party drew widespread condemnation after posting an open letter to French forward Kylian Mbappé that contained racist language. The senator later repeated the insult during a plenary session of the Paraguayan Senate, prompting a formal motion of censure from her colleagues.
The Initial Social‑Media Post
On Monday, December 5 2022, Amarilla published a bilingual message in French and Spanish on her personal Twitter account, addressing Mbappé directly. She wrote that her issue was with the player, not with France, and claimed she regretted using “the same insults” she had experienced as a person of mixed race. The post was later deleted, but screenshots circulated widely.
The letter read, in part:
“Je regrette d’avoir utilisé les mêmes insultes que celles que j’ai subies en tant que personne métisse.”
Fact‑checkers noted that the senator’s claim of personal experience with racial slurs could not be independently verified, and the language used was widely regarded as derogatory toward Mbappé’s Black heritage.
Senate Session Insult
During the Senate’s Wednesday session on December 7, Amarilla reiterated her criticism, this time using a profanity‑laden remark:
“Je refuse de croire que la France n’est rien d’autre que le pays de Mbappé. Pour moi, c’est bien plus, les Français, bien plus. Arrêtez de pleurer comme des femmes sur quelque chose que vous n’avez pas su défendre comme des hommes.”
The comment prompted immediate reactions from fellow senators, who described the statement as “unacceptable” and “contrary to the principles of parliamentary decorum.”
Paraguayan Government’s Official Stance
The Paraguayan Presidency released a statement later that Monday, condemning Amarilla’s remarks as:
- Contrary to the nation’s values of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity;
- Not representative of the Paraguayan government or its people.
The statement emphasized that Paraguay promotes multiculturalism and urged all public officials to uphold these principles.
International Reaction
The incident quickly drew attention from French authorities and football governing bodies.
- French Football Federation (FFF): Described the comments as “totally despicable and unacceptable,” announcing that the matter would be referred to prosecutors for possible legal action.
- President Emmanuel Macron: Took to X (formerly Twitter) to show support for Mbappé, writing, “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. This time against racism,” and adding that the captain had his “full support.”
- Sports Minister Marina Ferrari: Echoed Macron’s sentiment, stressing that racism has no place in sport or society.
Mbappé himself responded on social media, calling Amarilla a “despicable woman” who was “unworthy” of serving in Paraguay’s Congress. His remarks were widely reported by outlets such as BBC Sport and Reuters.
Senate Motion and Potential Consequences
Following the renewed insult, a group of senators from multiple parties introduced a motion to censure Amarilla. The motion cited violations of the Senate’s internal code of conduct, which obliges members to refrain from hate speech and discriminatory language.
If passed, the censure could result in:
- A formal reprimand recorded in the Senate minutes;
- Possible suspension from committee duties;
- Referral to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee for further investigation.
Legal experts note that, while parliamentary immunity protects legislators from prosecution for statements made within the chamber, repeated hate‑speech incidents may still trigger civil complaints or investigations under Paraguay’s anti‑discrimination laws.
Context: Paraguay’s World Cup Run
Paraguay’s encounter with France took place on December 4, 2022, at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. The match ended 3‑1 in favor of France, with Mbappé scoring twice and assisting the third goal. Paraguay’s exit marked the nation’s first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage since 2010.
The tournament highlighted the growing visibility of African‑descended players on the global stage, making racist remarks toward such athletes particularly sensitive.
Why This Incident Matters
The episode underscores several broader issues:
- Accountability of Public Officials: Senators, as elected representatives, are expected to model respectful discourse, especially when addressing international figures.
- Impact of Hate Speech: Even isolated comments can amplify prejudice, affect the mental well‑being of targeted individuals, and fuel societal divisions.
- Role of Sport in Social Dialogue: High‑profile athletes like Mbappé often become unwitting symbols in conversations about racism, placing additional pressure on sporting institutions to act decisively.
- International Diplomacy: Remarks that disparage foreign nationals can strain bilateral relations, prompting diplomatic responses from the affected country’s government.
As of the latest updates, the Senate’s ethics committee is reviewing the motion, and both Paraguayan and French authorities continue to monitor the situation. The outcome may set a precedent for how legislative bodies handle hate‑speech allegations involving international sports figures.
