The government of Paraguay has announced its rejection of statements made by parliamentary deputy Celeste Amarilla, which contained insults directed at Kylian Mbappé, the striker and captain of the France national team.
The government said in a statement posted on its official account on the social media platform X: "The government of Paraguay strongly condemns and rejects the statements made by Deputy Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national team, Kylian Mbappé, which are contrary to the values and principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country upholds."
The statement added: "Paraguay is a democratic republic governed by the principle of separation and independence of powers, and in this context, the statements of the aforementioned deputy represent 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 country's government or its people."
Mbappé, who is competing in the ongoing World Cup, had been subjected to racist abuse online by the Paraguayan official, prompting both the striker and France's sports minister to condemn it.
The France national team had defeated Paraguay in the round of 16 of the tournament being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Mbappé scoring the winning goal from a penalty kick.
Celeste Amarilla de Putchia commented on a post about the French striker, writing: "Bruto didn't even learn to write; instead of his mother's milk, he was nursed on coconut, that is the most information I have heard about the chimpanzee."
Mbappé responded to a photo of her on X, saying: "You do not deserve your position, and you do not represent Paraguay."
He added: "Because of your ignorance and racism, the world has already forgotten the historic campaign and commitment of your team's players during the World Cup, making way for a woman who brings shame upon her country."
Mbappé also said he would never give people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism in the world.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari also expressed her strong anger over Amarilla's statements.
Ferrari wrote on her official X account: "These are shameful, inappropriate, and utterly unacceptable statements, all the more so coming from a political figure."