French authorities have launched an investigation into racist insults and cyber harassment targeting French judoka Teddy Riner. The probe was opened after Riner received numerous hate messages online following an interview where he expressed concern over the rise of the far right in France. Riner, a multiple Olympic and world champion, is one of French sport's most popular figures.
During an interview with sports television show Stade 2 last week, Riner said he was “freaked out” by the rise of extremism, specifically the far right. This was in response to a question asking if he meant “on both sides” – meaning the far left and the far right. Riner's comments come as France's presidential election approaches, with Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party currently polling ahead.
The Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed that it had received reports of racist insults and hate messages directed at Riner on social media. In a statement posted on Instagram, the office said it had opened an investigation into “racist insults and cyber harassment targeting a French athlete.” The Central Office for the Fight Against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crimes (OCLCH) will lead the investigation.
Riner, 37, was born on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe and grew up in Paris. He is the most decorated judoka at the Paris Olympics and has been named France's favourite sportsperson at least five times. On 14 September 2024, Riner received the Legion d'Honneur medal from President Macron following his performance at the Paris Olympics.
Following the interview, Riner posted on Instagram that he had received “numerous tweets, posts, comments and messages of a hateful or racist nature directed at me.” He emphasized that while debate and contradiction are legitimate, hatred and racism are not. Riner expressed his love for France, stating that he defends its history, talent, heritage, republican values, and diversity.
Paris Saint-Germain, the club Riner re-joined on a contract lasting until 2028, expressed its full support for the judoka. The club stated that “racist insults and hateful messages targeting Teddy Riner are unacceptable” and have no place in sport or society. This sentiment was echoed by other French athletes, including Kylian Mbappé, who faced similar racist abuse in May.
Mbappé, the French national football team's captain, was targeted after expressing concerns that the National Rally party could win the 2027 presidential election. He stated that he knows the consequences of such a scenario for his country. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism and hate speech in French sports and society.
Key points
- French authorities investigate racist abuse of judoka Teddy Riner
- Riner received hate messages online after expressing concern over the rise of the far right in France
- Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé express support for Riner, condemning racist insults and hateful messages
