Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has announced her intention to sue French football star Kylian Mbappé, accusing him of gender-based violence following a public exchange that began with allegations of racism. The dispute originated after France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a recent match.
Amarilla had initially criticized Mbappé's behavior during and after the game, referring to him with inflammatory language. Mbappé responded on social media platform X, calling Amarilla a "despicable woman" and "unworthy of her position." He also accused her of "recklessness and brazen racism."
In a subsequent statement, Amarilla acknowledged regretting her initial remarks, stating they repeated patterns she detests. However, she pivoted to accuse Mbappé of "political violence against a woman," asserting that his insults targeted her gender and political standing. She highlighted Mbappé's alleged arrogance, contempt for the Paraguayan team, and lack of respect towards their goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, after scoring a penalty. Amarilla stated that Mbappé did not shake the goalkeeper's hand but "screamed your victory in his face."
During the match, Paraguay had employed tactics described as "dark arts" to disrupt the French team, including attempts to scuff the penalty spot and physical altercations that resulted in injuries to French players. Amarilla admitted her initial statement was made with "boiling blood" but demanded an apology from Mbappé for his personal insults.
Amarilla further threatened Mbappé with legal consequences, referencing the imprisonment of Ronaldinho in Paraguay and warning the footballer not to underestimate her. She declared, "Precisely, you despise me because of my gender; precisely, you offend me because I am a woman." She demanded he retract his words, honor his French citizenship, and apologize, or she would initiate legal action for gender violence.
Mbappé has not yet responded to Amarilla's latest statement. However, he has received support from the French Football Federation (FFF) and French President Emmanuel Macron. The FFF described Amarilla's remarks as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable" and vowed to take judicial action. Macron posted on social media, expressing his support for Mbappé and stating, "When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity."
Paraguay had advanced to face France after an upset victory over Germany. France, considered tournament favorites, is scheduled to play Morocco next.