Paraguay government speaks out against senator's racist comments about Mbappé

The Paraguay government has condemned comments made by Senator Celeste Amarilla against Kylian Mbappé, who is the captain of the French national team. They said her words go against the values of respect and peaceful living.

In a statement on Monday, the government made it clear that Amarilla's comments do not represent their views or those of the Paraguayan people. They emphasized that she is the only one responsible for her statements as a lawmaker.

"The Government of the Republic of Paraguay deplores and rejects the statements made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national football team, Kylian Mbappé.

"These statements are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes," the statement read.

Amarilla faced backlash after posting several messages on X, targeting Mbappé. She made comments suggesting he could not write, linked him to coconuts and chimpanzees, and called him a "colonised Cameroonian" who was "resentful, newly rich, arrogant and ugly."

The Paraguayan government explained that the country’s government system ensures independence among its branches. They stressed that Amarilla's comments do not represent an official stance.

"Paraguay is a democratic republic governed by the principle of the separation and independence of the branches of government.

"In this context, the statements made by the aforementioned legislator correspond exclusively to the exercise of her individual responsibility as a member of the Legislative Branch and in no way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or of the Paraguayan people," it said.

The government reaffirmed its position against discrimination and its commitment to protecting human rights and equality for all citizens.

"The Government of Paraguay reaffirms its firm commitment to the promotion of human rights, equality, and respect among all people, as well as to the fight against racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and every form of hatred or discrimination," the statement added.

They also showed support for those affected by Amarilla's comments and highlighted Paraguay's long-standing relationship with France.

"Likewise, it expresses its solidarity with those who may have felt affected by these statements and reiterates its respect for the French people, with whom Paraguay maintains a historic relationship of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding," the government said.

Amarilla's comments came after a match where Mbappé and Paraguay's goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, had a heated moment. Gill threw the ball at Mbappé after France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia.

Mbappé responded to Amarilla on his X account, calling her a "despicable woman" who was "unworthy of your position" and accused her of "brazen racism," which he said affected his opponents’ World Cup journey.