Paraguay govt distances itself from senator’s racist remarks against Mbappe
By Joel Masibo, July 7, 2026The Government of Paraguay has issued a formal statement condemning comments made by Senator Celeste Amarilla about France captain Kylian Mbappé, saying the remarks do not reflect the country’s values or official position.
Amarilla posted vile attacks calling Mbappé a “colonised Cameroonian, pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly,” and suggested Paraguayan players should have “slapped him open-handed” after Paraguay and France players were involved in a heated exchange after a recent tense World Cup Round of 16 clash. She also used other racist tropes, including references to chimpanzees and coconuts.
In response, Mbappé called her a “despicable woman” unworthy of her position.
In the statement released through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the government said it “deplores and rejects” the senator’s statements, describing them as being contrary to Paraguay’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for human dignity, and equality.
Authorities emphasised that Paraguay is a democratic republic where the executive, legislative, and judicial branches operate independently. As a result, the government said Amarilla’s comments were made in her personal capacity as a member of the Legislative Branch and should not be interpreted as representing either the government or the Paraguayan people.
Individual responsibility
“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 are solely the exercise of her individual responsibility as a member of the Legislative Branch and do not in any way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or the Paraguayan people.” The statement said in part.
The statement reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to promoting human rights, equality, and mutual respect among all people while strongly opposing racism, xenophobia, intolerance, discrimination, and all forms of hatred.
“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 all forms of hatred or discrimination.” The statement added.
Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla. PHOTO/Screengrab/X
The government also expressed solidarity with anyone who may have been affected by the senator’s remarks and reiterated its respect for the people of France. It noted that Paraguay and France share a longstanding relationship built on friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
The statement comes amid widespread attention surrounding the senator’s comments directed at Mbappe, with Paraguay’s government seeking to make clear that the views expressed by the legislator are personal and do not reflect the nation’s official stance.
Paraguay had a commendable FIFA World Cup campaign, beating former world champions Germany in the Round of 32, before Mbappe’s penalty sent them home through the Round of 16.