The Government of Paraguay has condemned remarks made by Senator Celeste Amarilla against France captain, Kylian Mbappe, saying the comments were contrary to the values of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
In a statement on Monday, the government said the senator’s remarks did not reflect its position or that of the Paraguayan people, noting that she alone was responsible for her comments 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 Mbappe.
“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 had drawn widespread condemnation after a series of posts on X targeting Mbappe, in which she said he had not learnt to write, made references 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 system of government guaranteed the independence of the branches of power, stressing that Amarilla’s comments did not amount to an official position.
“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 also reaffirmed its stance against discrimination, stating its commitment to protecting human rights and equality for all.
“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.
It further expressed solidarity with those affected by the comments and reiterated Paraguay’s longstanding ties 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 remarks came after a post-match altercation between Mbappe and Paraguay goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, who threw the ball at the France forward following France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia.
Mbappe had earlier hit back at Amarilla on his X account, describing her as a “despicable woman” who was “unworthy of your position” and accusing her of “brazen racism” that overshadowed his opponents’ World Cup campaign.
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