{
  "id": 16890760,
  "title": "Mbappe controversy rattles sponsors: How China’s consumer backlash can hit global brands and stocks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/mbappe-controversy-rattles-sponsors-how-chinas-consumer-backlash-can",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-28T11:15:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/world/mbappe-controversy-rattles-sponsors-how-china-s-consumer-backlash-can-hit-global-brands-and-stocks-11793185039992.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kylian Mbappe's perceived insult to Chinese founder Mao Zedong has sparked significant backlash from Chinese consumers, forcing the football star to issue a public apology. This incident underscores the delicate nature of international brands operating in China, where a single remark against a revered figure or idea can lead to a swift consumer backlash. Shares of sponsors such as On Holding AG, Eastroc Beverage Group Co., and China Mengniu Dairy Co., all associated with Mbappe, experienced a drop on Tuesday as investors evaluated the potential repercussions of a high-profile endorsement losing its value almost immediately in the Chinese market.\n\nVarious brands have faced similar consequences in the past for comments or actions deemed offensive or politically sensitive in China. For instance, Dolce & Gabbana canceled a fashion show in Shanghai after receiving criticism for an advertisement featuring a Chinese woman struggling to eat pizza with chopsticks. Swiss watchmaker Swatch faced backlash in 2025 when an ad depicted an Asian model with exaggerated eye slanting, perceived as a racist attack. Luxury brands Coach and Givenchy severed ties with their China-based ambassadors in 2019 due to products they believed identified Taiwan and Hong Kong as independent countries. Mercedes-Benz also apologized for quoting the Dalai Lama alongside one of its luxury vehicles in an Instagram post, which was deemed disrespectful by some Chinese netizens. The NBA, which holds China as a significant market, faced challenges when a Houston Rockets executive expressed support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong via Twitter in 2019. This led to a public apology from the league and strained its partnership with China's state broadcaster, CCTV, which saw an 18-month blackout before resuming in 2022.\n\nMbappe apologized, clarifying that his comment was ill-judged and that he respected the Chinese people and their history. However, it remains uncertain whether this apology will reverse the decisions made by the brands or alleviate the ongoing online criticism. The episode highlights the importance for global brands to navigate carefully in China, as even seemingly minor remarks can have significant repercussions in a market where sentiment can shift rapidly.",
  "summary": "Kylian Mbappe’s perceived slight toward Mao Zedong sparked backlash in China and prompted a public apology, putting the value of his sponsorships under scrutiny. The episode reflects the risks global brands face in China, where perceived insults have triggered consumer backlash.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "China stocks rebound on tech rally, tracking Asian markets",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/china-stocks-rebound-on-tech-rally-tracking-asian-markets",
        "published": "2026-10-28T07:43:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}