Paris authorities have launched an investigation into the racist abuse and online harassment directed at French judo champion Teddy Riner following his public comments about the rise of the far right in France. Riner, one of the country’s most successful judokas and a highly popular athlete, expressed anxiety this month about growing far-right influence ahead of the presidential election scheduled for next spring.
Riner, 37, who was born in Guadeloupe and raised in Paris, spoke on a television sports program about his concerns regarding political tensions, social divisions, and economic difficulties facing many French citizens. He described a France he remembers as being "close-knit and united," contrasting it with today’s atmosphere, which he said felt increasingly unstable and divisive. He emphasized his commitment to France’s republican values, diversity, and heritage, stating that "debate and contradiction are legitimate" but rejecting hatred and racism.
The investigation follows Riner’s receipt of numerous racist insults on social media in the wake of his remarks. The public prosecutor’s office confirmed it is looking into these hate messages to determine appropriate legal action.
Riner’s comments come amid rising support for Marine Le Pen and her National Rally (RN) party, which holds far-right and anti-immigration positions. Le Pen is considered a leading contender in the upcoming presidential race. Earlier this year, French football captain Kylian Mbappé also attracted controversy after voicing concerns about the potential consequences of Le Pen’s possible election victory. Mbappé, 27, who has roots in Algeria and Cameroon and grew up in Paris’s northern suburbs, told Vanity Fair in May that he understood the implications of far-right power in France.
Mbappé faced criticism from RN politicians for his remarks, with Le Pen dismissing him and suggesting that football fans should independently decide their vote. RN spokesperson and member of parliament Julien Odoul said Mbappé, as captain of the national team, should represent all French citizens, including RN supporters, and refrain from political activism.
Riner responded to similar scrutiny by affirming on social media that his role as a high-level athlete did not preclude him from engaging with societal issues. He highlighted the challenges facing France, including rising social anger, economic hardship, diminished respect for institutions, and concerns about the education system’s state.
Both athletes’ engagement on political topics reflects a broader public debate in France over national identity, social cohesion, and the country’s future direction in the face of competing political ideologies. The investigations into the harassment of Riner underscore ongoing tensions surrounding these issues.