Kylian Mbappé Issues Apology for Mao Zedong Remark

Real Madrid's French footballer Kylian Mbappé has apologized for remarks he made about Mao Zedong on an internet talk show, which drew major backlash in China. Following the developments, some Chinese brands terminated their partnerships with the player and media restrictions were imposed.

During an appearance on the French talk show The Bridge, Kylian Mbappé had stated that he laughed at an internet meme (meme) which he thought was about a Chinese leader and in which his own face was compared to Mao Zedong. This post had surfaced as part of jokes about the player being referred to as a "dictator" due to his impact at Real Madrid.

Following the backlash, Mbappé apologized, stating, "My comment was thoughtless, and I now realize that this upset many people in China and within Chinese communities around the world." The management of Spain's La Liga also issued an apology for the discomfort caused.

In the wake of the incident, Chinese brands such as Mengniu and Dongpeng severed ties with the footballer. Chinese state television CCTV suspended the broadcasting of La Liga matches, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that such remarks would be met with backlash.