The recent scandal involving racist insults aimed at French football star Kylian Mbappé has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation. Following a controversial incident, the French Football Federation announced legal action against Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla de Boccia. The remarks made by Amarilla were described as “despicable and unacceptable” in a statement from the federation, which affirmed its commitment to filing a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office to initiate legal proceedings.
Amarilla de Boccia had previously insulted Mbappé and later published a letter addressing the situation. Her main argument was that her issue was between her and the player, not with France as a country. She expressed regret for parts of her comments, stating, “I regretted insulting you with the same slurs that I myself have endured.” As a Latina, she claimed to experience insults regarding her skin color.
Not content to let the issue rest, Amarilla de Boccia then demanded an apology from Mbappé and levelled new accusations against him. She alleged that his comments towards her exhibited gender-based violence and threatened to take legal action if he did not retract his statements.
Political Figures Weigh In
Adding to the public discourse, French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo took to social media, voicing his full support for Mbappé and all victims of such heinous statements. He highlighted that the French national team players represent France, therefore it is the country that has been insulted. He emphasized that the comments were “criminal” and “deplorable.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, stating, “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. This time against racism.” He expressed unwavering support for Mbappé, emphasizing that words matter, and signifying respect, dignity, and fraternity as fundamental values that should prevail.
Following the heated Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France (0-1), Amarilla de Boccia referred to Mbappé as a “fool” who couldn’t even learn to write. Her inflammatory remarks included, “Instead of breastfeeding, he sucked on coconuts, and the smartest thing he ever heard was from monkeys.”
During the match where France faced off against Paraguay, Mbappé faced aggressive tactics but also retaliated, refusing to shake hands with the Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the match, celebrating with a provocative gesture instead.
Furthermore, Amarilla de Boccia claimed that Mbappé was a “colonized Cameroonian” playing the role of a hard Frenchman, stating he was “full of inferiority complexes, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly.”
Responses from Mbappé and the Minister of Sports
In response to the insults from the senator, Mbappé did not hesitate to address the situation directly. He criticized Amarilla de Boccia by saying, “You are a despicable woman and unworthy of your office.” He emphasized that she did not represent the Paraguay that was “imbued with passion and honor” during the World Cup. He reiterated his commitment to not allowing individuals like Amarilla de Boccia to spread their hate and racism in the world.
Additionally, France’s Sports Minister Marina Ferrari reacted with outrage to the senator’s remarks. She stated that attacking Mbappé equated to attacking everything that embodies “freedom, equality, and brotherhood” for which France stands.
