French judo star Teddy Riner has become the target of an online hate campaign and racist abuse following television remarks regarding the rise of the far right, prompting the Paris public prosecutor’s office to open a formal investigation.
The prosecutor’s office initiated the proceedings independently after detecting numerous hateful online contributions directed at the five-time Olympic champion. The inquiry has been handed over to the central unit tasked with combating hate crimes and crimes against humanity, according to official statements reported by the dpa news agency.
Mid-September Broadcast Triggers Cyberbullying
The cyberbullying and public racist insults stemmed from comments Riner made during a television broadcast in mid-September.
During the appearance, the athlete spoke openly about his fear regarding the rise of the extreme right, stating that the political shift puts him in panic. Following the broadcast, Riner faced intense backlash across social media networks and various right-wing media outlets.
Focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The decorated judoka hopes to conclude his illustrious career with a final triumph at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. French sports daily L’Équipe has also reported that Riner has previously hinted at a potential transition into politics following his retirement from competitive sport.
Marine Le Pen Leads Upcoming Presidential Polls
The hostile online reaction unfolds against a backdrop of shifting political momentum in France.
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