Jeffrey Wright Defends Kylian Mbappé After Racist Abuse

Jeffrey Wright has fiercely defended Kylian Mbappé after the France captain faced racist abuse from a Paraguayan senator following his team's World Cup victory. The actor called the attackers 'lazy-minded' and praised Mbappé's talent.

What happened?

On July 4, Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive penalty in France's 1-0 World Cup Round of 16 win over Paraguay. Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla then launched a racist attack, criticizing Mbappé's heritage, appearance, and education. She called him a 'colonized Cameroonian' and a 'brute who had not learned to write.'

Why it matters for Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé, a global football icon, responded by condemning the racist remarks. Jeffrey Wright, known for roles in 'Westworld' and 'Basquiat,' defended Mbappé, calling the abuse 'nonsense' from people trying to diminish his power on the field. Wright argued that being Black is a political term, not a biological one.

What comes next?

Amarilla deleted her posts but did not fully apologize. Mbappé's response and Wright's defense highlight the ongoing fight against racism in sports. The incident underscores the need for accountability, even from public figures.