Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla's Racist Attack on Mbappé Sparks Outrage

Paraguay was eliminated 1‑0 by France in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia on July 4. In response, Senator Celeste Amarilla used her X account to launch a series of racist insults toward French forward Kylian Mbappé, calling him a “colonized Cameroonian,” a “brute,” “ugly,” and likening him to “chimpanzees,” among other demeaning remarks. She also urged a hand‑slap and suggested she could act without consequences in the Senate.

Mbappé replied that Amarilla was “despicable” and unfit for public office, while Paraguay’s government rejected her comments as contrary to human dignity. The French Football Federation denounced the statements as abhorrent and announced criminal action, and President Emmanuel Macron publicly defended Mbappé and emphasized respect and fraternity. The controversy resurfaced when the French federation’s promotional image for its upcoming semifinal against Spain omitted Paraguay, prompting further indignation on social media.

The episode highlights the misuse of political authority for racist rhetoric, draws condemnation from both Paraguayan and French authorities, and underscores ongoing concerns about racism and accountability in public life.