French soccer star Kylian Mbappé issued a public apology after Chinese dairy and beverage brands ended sponsorships and state television halted LaLiga broadcasts over comments linking a meme of him to Mao Zedong.
French soccer captain Kylian Mbappé apologized publicly on Tuesday after Chinese brands cut commercial ties and state television suspended broadcasts of LaLiga matches involving him.
The controversy stems from a video in which Mbappé, asked about his favorite meme of himself, described one that superimposed his face on "some guy — I think he's a Chinese dictator," an apparent reference to a meme featuring Mao Zedong. Reuters reported it has not authenticated the video.
Dairy firms Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground, along with beverage maker Eastroc, announced they were ending all cooperation with the Real Madrid forward effective immediately, stating zero tolerance for words that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. China's state television removed advertisements featuring Mbappé and halted related match broadcasts, according to local reports.
Mbappé posted on X: "My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologize to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry."
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with joint opposition from all sectors of Chinese society. State media such as China Daily and Global Times condemned the remarks without repeating them.
The episode highlights the commercial risks for global celebrities in the Chinese market, where satire involving Mao remains a social taboo. Mbappé's representatives and Real Madrid had not immediately responded to requests for comment as of the latest reports.
Next developments will depend on whether further sponsors act and how Chinese fans and authorities respond in the coming days.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Negative
- Mbappé: My comment was ill-judged and I apologize
- Chinese brands: zero tolerance for words that hurt Chinese people
- Foreign Ministry: such words will be met with joint opposition