French Rugby Star Melvyn Jaminet Under Investigation for Alleged Racist Death Threats

Melvyn Jaminet will pay dearly for his remarks. On July 9, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation for "death threat on the grounds of origin" against the French rugby player. This procedure stems from a report by SOS Racisme. The fullback of the French XV is also the subject of an internal investigation by the French Rugby Federation (FFR). His club, RC Toulon, has also announced an "internal investigation". The Toulon player is accused of making racist remarks in a video posted on Instagram on July 6, following the first test match of the Blues against Argentina.

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"My mom asking me if I partied. (He sighs.) I swear, the first Arab I come across on the road, I’ll give him a helmet hit," the 25-year-old athlete said in the video. Remarks condemned "with the utmost firmness" by the FFR. It has decided to exclude him from the France group. It announced on Tuesday morning that it had "reported to the public prosecutor" with the aim of "shedding full light on the holding of these remarks of extreme gravity". The Toulon club also condemned the remarks of its player. In a post on X, it says it dissociates itself from Melvyn’s remarks. The latter is expected this Friday at the headquarters of the Rugby Club Toulonnais for a preliminary interview before a sanction, report several media.

Faced with the outcry provoked by his remarks, Jaminet posted an apology message on his Instagram account. He says he is "deeply sorry and ashamed of [his] words".