Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke
He allegedly said his "favourite meme" is "the one where they put my face on a Chinese dictator".
Multiple prominent Chinese companies have severed ties with French footballer Kylian Mbappé following online backlash over his alleged comments referencing the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. According to unverified footage circulating on Chinese social media, Mbappé referred to the dictator as his favorite meme, joking that he uses a picture of himself superimposed on an image resembling Mao with his friends.
While the original video is no longer available on the talk show's YouTube channel, copies have spread rapidly online. China's foreign ministry condemned the comments, stating that any words or actions that offend the feelings of the Chinese people will face opposition. Mbappé, who remains hugely popular in China and has significant endorsements, has yet to comment on the matter.
The incident has sparked intense criticism, with some users urging public figures to show greater respect and sensitivity to national sentiment. China's state broadcaster, CCTV, is suspending matches involving La Liga, and some reports suggest the broadcaster's news apps have removed content related to Mbappé. Several major Chinese brands, including dairy producer Mengniu and drinks giant Dongpeng, have announced they would no longer partner with the footballer, citing their firm opposition to any actions that hurt national sentiments.
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- Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke sports.yahoo.com
- Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke bbc.co.uk
- Kylian Mbappé dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’ theguardian.com
- Major Chinese brands drop Mbappe over Chairman Mao meme jokes cityam.com
