Paraguayan Senator demands apology from Kylian Mbappe, threatens legal action

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has asked France captain Kylian Mbappe to apologise for accusing her of making racist comments after France defeated Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The disagreement began after France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. Following the match, Mbappe criticised comments Amarilla posted on social media, describing them as racist and unacceptable.

However, Amarilla denied making racist remarks and called on the Real Madrid star to withdraw his comments and apologise.

In an open letter published on Tuesday, the senator said her criticism was directed at Mbappe personally and not at France. She added that she has always admired and supported France.

“The issue is between you and me. I have never spoken against France. On the contrary, I stand with France,” she wrote.

Amarilla admitted that she made the social media posts shortly after the match while emotions were still high. She said she later deleted the posts because she realised they did not reflect the values she believes in.

“I immediately regretted responding with the same insults that I condemn. I realised I was repeating the behaviour I dislike, so I deleted the post,” she said.

Although she acknowledged that the posts were inappropriate, Amarilla argued that Mbappe’s response went too far. She objected to reports that he described her as “a despicable woman” who was unfit to hold public office.

“I am a senator elected by the Paraguayan people. Who are you to call me unworthy or despicable when you do not even know me?” she asked.

The senator concluded her letter by urging Mbappe to retract his remarks and apologise. She warned that she could take legal action against him for alleged gender-based violence if he fails to do so.

“Withdraw your statements, honour the values of your French citizenship and apologise.

Otherwise, I may Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has asked France captain Kylian Mbappe to apologise for accusing her of making racist comments after France defeated Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup legal action for gender-based violence,” she said.