MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has come under criticism after a social media post about France’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup sparked accusations of insensitivity.
The controversy began after France’s victory over Paraguay, when Bachchan posted on X that the French starting lineup consisted of “one white player and 10 Black players,” concluding the post with the phrase “Black Power.”
The remarks drew swift backlash from football fans and social media users, many of whom argued that players representing a national team should be recognized for their nationality, talent and performances rather than their skin color or ethnic background.
Critics described the post as inappropriate and said public figures should exercise greater care when commenting on sensitive issues involving race.
Amid the criticism, Bachchan published a blog post in which he did not directly address the controversy but reflected on the importance of acknowledging mistakes.
He wrote that life teaches new lessons every day and that admitting an error is a sign of strength rather than weakness. He also suggested that sometimes the best way to end a disagreement is to accept that the other person may be right.
The blog has been widely interpreted by some social media users as an indirect acknowledgment of the criticism, while others have continued to call for greater sensitivity from public figures when discussing issues of race and identity.
