Paris Prosecutor Investigates Racist Abuse of Athlete Teddy Riner

The Paris public prosecutor has launched an investigation into racist abuse and online harassment targeting Teddy Riner. The investigation follows Riner's appearance on a television sports show this month, during which the decorated Olympian expressed anxiety regarding the rise of the far right in France.

Riner, who was born in Guadeloupe, responded to the harassment on social media by stating that while debate is legitimate, hatred and racism are not. In a statement to France 2, he affirmed his intention to continue speaking out against attempts to divide the country.

This incident mirrors a controversy from May involving football captain Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé faced criticism from the National Rally party after he expressed concerns about the party's potential victory in the upcoming presidential election. The National Rally, a far-right and anti-immigration party, has seen a rise in polling, prompting these public warnings from high-profile French athletes.