French Prosecutors Investigate Paraguayan Senator’s Posts About Mbappé; Senator Later Apologizes and Demands Player Apology

French prosecutors opened an investigation into racist social media posts directed at Kylian Mbappé by a Paraguayan senator after Paraguay’s loss to France in the World Cup on Saturday. The Paris prosecutor’s office said Tuesday it is examining whether the remarks constitute aggravated public insult or incitement to hatred or violence.

The inquiry follows a complaint filed by the French Football Federation with the national unit for combating online hate.

Mbappé scored the penalty that secured France’s 1-0 win and advancement to the quarter-finals. ” The senator also wrote that Paraguay’s players should have slapped Mbappé. ” The senator later posted an open letter in French and Spanish expressing regret for the language while blaming Mbappé’s on-field conduct and demanding an apology from the player.

She said she had deleted the original posts. The Paris prosecutor’s office noted the remarks were allegedly made because of the victim’s actual or perceived origin, ethnicity, nationality, race, or religion. Such offences carry penalties of up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine.

Paraguayan government officials stated the senator’s comments were “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity” and did not represent the position of the government or the people.