Mbappe apologizes as Chinese sponsors drop him and TV broadcasts are halted over Mao dictator remark
French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has apologized after apparently referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator. Chinese sponsors have dropped him, while state television has suspended Spanish league broadcasts.
Kylian Mbappe, the French striker for Real Madrid, apologized after a video surfaced where he referred to Mao Zedong, China's founding leader, as a dictator. The controversy led to three major Chinese companies - Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground - severing their sponsorship ties with Mbappe. Chinese state television, CCTV, also halted broadcasts of Spain's La Liga, the soccer league Mbappe plays in.
The incident began when a video, apparently taken before an appearance on a French talk show, showed Mbappe discussing memes, one of which depicted his face superimposed onto Mao Zedong's body. The image appeared to label Mao as a dictator. This type of joke is considered highly sensitive in China, where public criticism of the former Communist leader is politically charged.
Mbappe expressed regret, stating his comment was 'ill-judged' and apologized to those who were offended. He affirmed his deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.
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