{
  "id": 16847206,
  "title": "Mbappé sorry for ‘ill-judged’ Mao remark after backlash in China",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/mbappe-sorry-for-ill-judged-mao-remark-after-backlash-in-china",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T04:43:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/mbappe-sorry-for-ill-judged-mao-remark-after-backlash-in-china/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kylian Mbappé has apologized for \"ill-judged\" comments he made about Mao Zedong, which led to him being dropped by several Chinese brands. The French footballer reportedly made a meme about a \"Chinese dictator\" during an appearance on a French talk show. Mbappé's comment was deemed offensive to Chinese people and the Communist Party, which reveres Mao as a revered figure despite his controversial rule. European football league La Liga also issued an apology for the offense caused by Mbappé's remarks. Mbappé's popularity in China, along with his significant commercial presence in the country, led to many brands terminating their partnerships with him. Chinese social media users expressed outrage over the comments, and some have even called for a boycott of both Mbappé and his club, Real Madrid. Chinese officials have noted the incident and stated that any words or deeds that hurt Chinese sentiments will face opposition.",
  "summary": "Kylian Mbappé has apologised for “ill-judged” comments he made about late Chinese leader Mao Zedong which led to him being dropped by several Chinese brands. Mbappé had reportedly told French talk show The Bridge the meme “that makes me laugh the most, it’s the one where there’s a video of a guy, I think it’s […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Chinese sponsors cut ties with Kylian Mbappé after Mao meme backlash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/chinese-sponsors-cut-ties-with-kylian-mbappe-after-mao-meme-backlash",
        "published": "2026-10-27T08:54:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "Chinese television suspends LaLiga broadcasts after controversy with a meme and Mbappé, who referred to Mao Zedong as “dictator”",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/la-television-china-suspende-las-emisiones-de-laliga-tras-la-polemica",
        "published": "2026-10-27T11:53:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Football: Mbappé apologises for 'ill-judged' joke about China's Mao Zedong that led several brands to drop him",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/football-mbappe-apologises-for-ill-judged-joke-about-chinas-mao",
        "published": "2026-10-27T12:02:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "GBC Ghana",
        "title": "Mbappé sorry for ‘ill-judged’ Mao remark after backlash in China",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/mbappe-sorry-for-ill-judged-mao-remark-after-backlash-in-china",
        "published": "2026-10-27T12:58:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "RFI English",
        "title": "From Zidane to Zedong: Mbappé says sorry for comments about former Chinese leader",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/from-zidane-to-zedong-mbappe-says-sorry-for-comments-about-former",
        "published": "2026-10-27T14:41:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Mbappé sorry for ‘ill-judged’ Mao remark after backlash in China",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/mbappe-sorry-for-ill-judged-mao-remark-after-backlash-in-china-16803854",
        "published": "2026-10-27T21:26:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Kylian Mbappé had to apologise after Mao Zedong joke",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/kylian-mbappe-had-to-apologise-after-mao-zedong-joke",
        "published": "2026-10-28T06:17:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}