Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla faced global backlash after making racist remarks against French star Kylian Mbappé. Now, she is considering filing a defamation lawsuit against the French superstar. The senator’s lawyer has confirmed that Mbappé could face up to three years in prison if such a case proceeds. Marca reported this news. Amarilla made highly racist comments targeting Mbappé following a match between France and Paraguay during the World Cup on July 4. After Mbappé publicly responded to the remarks, the senator began contemplating charges of defamation and slander against him.
Amarilla’s lawyer, Guillermo Duarte Cacavelos, told the French newspaper Le Parisien that if the charges are accepted by a Paraguayan court, Mbappé could face a maximum sentence of three years in prison. This aligns with the terms of the extradition treaty between France and Paraguay. In response to the senator’s comments, Real Madrid forward Mbappé had described her as a “deplorable woman unfit for her position.” Amarilla faced widespread condemnation for questioning Mbappé’s French identity.
Investigation underway in France: Duarte Cacavelos stated that whether legal action is taken against Mbappé depends on the outcome of an ongoing investigation by French prosecutors into Amarilla’s comments. French authorities are examining whether the senator made publicly abusive remarks based on race, nationality, or skin color. If convicted, Amarilla could face one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros. However, the senator has refused to retract her comments. Her lawyer maintains that the remarks were an exercise of free speech and were made in her capacity as a private citizen and national team supporter, rather than as a government official. He also noted that if the legal proceedings move forward, Mbappé might be summoned to testify before Paraguayan authorities.
International Reaction: This controversy has caused a stir at the highest levels of both nations. French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly expressed his support for Mbappé. Meanwhile, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña has distanced himself from the senator’s remarks, stating that they do not reflect Paraguay’s values. Although Amarilla was formally reprimanded during a Senate session for his earlier comments, he remains steadfast in his position. He has leveled fresh accusations of arrogance and disrespect against Mbappé, citing the player’s refusal to shake hands with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the match. Consequently, the dispute between this senator and one of world football’s biggest stars has escalated significantly on the international stage.
