By Zoila Palma: A Paraguayan senator has demanded that French football star Kylian Mbappé retract remarks describing her as “a despicable woman” and apologize, warning that she may pursue legal action on the grounds of gender-based violence.
Senator Celeste Amarilla made the demand in an open letter posted on social media after facing widespread criticism for racist comments she directed at the France captain following France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In her letter, Amarilla admitted she regretted the racist remarks, saying they were made “in the heat of the moment” after a viral video appeared to show Mbappé refusing to shake the hand of Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. She acknowledged that her comments were humiliating and said she deleted the posts after realizing she had repeated the same kind of discrimination she herself had experienced.
Despite her apology, Amarilla insisted Mbappé should also apologize for calling her “despicable” and “unworthy” of holding public office. She argued that his comments amounted to gender-based and political violence against an elected woman and warned that she could initiate legal proceedings if he failed to withdraw his remarks.
The controversy has drawn international attention, with Paraguay’s government condemning Amarilla’s racist comments and the French Football Federation filing a complaint over the incident.
Mbappé defended his response by stating that Amarilla’s remarks did not represent Paraguay and accused her of overshadowing the national team’s historic World Cup campaign with racism.
French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced his support for the footballer, praising his stand against racism and affirming the values of dignity, respect and fraternity.
The post International News: Paraguay Senator demands apology from Mbappé, threatens legal action appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: A Paraguayan senator has demanded that French football star Kylian Mbappé retract remarks describing her as “a despicable woman” and apologize, warning that she may pursue legal action on the grounds of gender-based violence. Senator Celeste Amarilla made the demand in an open letter posted on social media after facing widespread criticism
The post International News: Paraguay Senator demands apology from Mbappé, threatens legal action appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.