Racist Abuse of French Judo Star Teddy Riner Investigated After Far-Right Comments

Paris's public prosecutor has opened an investigation into racist abuse and online harassment directed at French judo star Teddy Riner, after he expressed concern about the rise of the far right in France, according to the prosecutor's office.

Riner, who has frequently been voted France's most popular sportsperson and ranks among the most successful judo competitors of all time, told a television sports show earlier this month that he felt 'anxiety' about the growing prominence of the far right in French politics.

Online Backlash Follows Comments

Following his remarks, numerous racist insults and hate messages were directed at Riner online, the prosecutor's office said. The scale and nature of the abuse prompted the formal investigation into the harassment.

Riner's stature in French sport, combined with his public comments on a politically sensitive topic, appears to have made him a target for online abuse from individuals opposed to his views. The investigation will examine the source and nature of the racist messages sent to him.

No details on potential suspects or the expected timeline of the investigation were provided by the prosecutor's office in the available reporting.