Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is facing backlash online. His comment on the racial makeup of France’s football team sparked the controversy. The remark came during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What Bachchan Said
Bachchan posted his comment on X on July 6. He wrote about France’s playing lineup. His post read: “T 5794 – Ab keh dete hai: the French WC 2026 football team.. the FRENCH 11 players in team.. 10 Black.. !!1 white!!? the POWER of BLACK.”
The tweet quickly drew attention. It soon triggered a wave of criticism online.
Why Users Are Angry
Many social media users slammed the veteran actor. They said he focused too much on race. Critics argued he overlooked the players’ national identity instead.
Users pointed out an important fact. They said the French squad represents the entire nation. It reflects France’s diverse population as a whole.
Not the First Time
This isn’t Bachchan’s first brush with such controversy. He faced similar criticism back in 2018. That year, France won their second World Cup title.
At the time, Bachchan had tweeted: “That’s it then… AFRICA won the World Cup 2018!!!” He was referring to the squad’s African-origin players.
France’s World Cup journey continues despite the online storm. The team will face Morocco next. This quarter-final match is set for July 10.
Away from the controversy, Bachchan has exciting work lined up. He is set to reprise his role in a much-awaited sequel. The film is the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.
Nag Ashwin is directing the project. The film also stars Prabhas and Kamal Haasan in key roles. However, one big change is coming. Deepika Padukone featured in the first instalment. She will not return for the sequel.
Jitendra Kumar is a graduate of the acclaimed IIMC with extensive experience across leading newspapers and media organisations.
