Kylian Mbappé says AI dictator memes show lack of political awareness

Paris (AP) — Kylian Mbappé expressed mixed feelings about the wave of AI-generated memes portraying him as a ruthless dictator during the World Cup. The France soccer star appeared in military attire, seated on a throne or standing beside controversial historical leaders like Josef Stalin. While Mbappé acknowledged that some of the memes were light-hearted, he expressed concern that they conveyed a lack of political and human awareness among viewers.

Mbappé drew a distinction between the playful nature of the memes and the tragic consequences inflicted by dictators in real life. He emphasized that he had never acted in a manner akin to those responsible for widespread suffering and death. The star noted that his France teammate Ousmane Dembélé had given him the nickname "Mobut" in reference to the former autocratic ruler Mobutu Sese Seko. However, Mbappé clarified that this was merely a joke and not an endorsement of the dictator's policies.