Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has claimed her Instagram account was hacked following widespread criticism for alleged racist remarks made about French footballer Kylian Mbappe. The controversy ignited after Amarilla directed a tirade against Mbappe, describing him as a "colonized Cameroonian, desperately trying to pass himself off as French" and a "brute who had not learned to write."
Mbappe responded on social media, calling Amarilla a "despicable woman" and "unworthy of her position." He stated that her "recklessness and brazen racism" overshadowed the accomplishments of his team. Amarilla later expressed regret for her statements, stating they "repeated patterns I detest," but also accused Mbappe of "political violence against a woman."
The senator initially announced on X that her Instagram account had been hacked, posting, "I am announcing that my Instagram account has been hacked, possibly since this morning, so I am not responsible for anything that is posted there from today onward." She added that she was taking steps for her protection. A subsequent post on her Instagram account stated, "I got my Instagram back 2 hours ago! France, you can keep on annoying me!!!"
Amarilla had previously doubled down on her criticism of Mbappe during a Senate session in Paraguay. She was angered by Mbappe's conduct during France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay, particularly an alleged refusal to shake hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Amarilla characterized Mbappe's actions as un-French and argued that he did not represent the cultural heritage of France. \n
In addition to her remarks about Mbappe's character and nationality, Amarilla also shared posts criticizing his performance and penalty-taking. The controversy comes amidst scrutiny of Paraguay's tactics during the match, which were widely described as aggressive and unsportsmanlike. \n
The French Football Federation has stated that Amarilla's remarks are "criminal and reprehensible" and has filed a report with the prosecutor's office. The federation expressed its full support for Mbappe and all victims of such remarks, emphasizing that the French national team players represent France and that insults against them are insults against the country.