Paraguayan senator considers suing Mbappé for slander and defamation

Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla is reportedly considering legal action against French football star Kylian Mbappé, accusing him of slander and defamation. This potential lawsuit follows a verbal altercation where Amarilla allegedly hurled racist insults at Mbappé after a World Cup match.

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If this double imputation is admitted by the justice of our country (Paraguay), the maximum penalty could rise to three years in prison and thus comply with the conditions of the extradition treaty between France and Paraguay.

According to Guillermo Duarte Cacavelos, Amarilla's lawyer, the senator is evaluating a complaint that could lead to a maximum of three years in prison if Paraguay's justice system admits the charges. This legal move is contingent on the outcome of a separate investigation launched by French prosecutors against Amarilla for "aggravated public insults" based on race or origin. She faces up to a year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros in France.

Mbappé had previously called Amarilla a "despicable woman unworthy of her position" after she allegedly referred to him as a "colonized Cameroonian" who faked being French, and claimed the "most cultured thing she has ever heard are chimpanzees." Amarilla's lawyer stated she will not retract her statements, asserting she spoke as a private citizen and fan, not as a political representative.

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despicable woman unworthy of her position

The senator's comments have drawn reactions from both Paraguayan and French leadership. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Mbappé against "racist attacks," while Paraguayan President Santiago Peña distanced his country from Amarilla's remarks, stating they do not reflect Paraguay's values. Despite the backlash, Amarilla reportedly reiterated her insults against Mbappé in a Senate session, accusing him of arrogance and recalling an alleged incident where he refused to shake hands with a Paraguayan goalkeeper.

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colonized Cameroonian who pretends to be French

Amarilla's legal team maintains that her defense will be based on freedom of expression. The senator's actions and Mbappé's alleged response are part of an ongoing controversy that has captured attention beyond sports and politics.

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the most cultured thing she has ever heard are chimpanzees