Soccer Star Kylian Mbappe Apologizes for Mao Reference
French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has apologized for comments he made about Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China, which sparked backlash and led to the loss of at least three brand deals with Chinese companies.
Mbappe made the comments in a video clip where he was asked about his favorite meme of himself. He replied that it was a video of him with the face of a "Chinese dictator," which was later revealed to be an altered image of Mao Zedong. The comment was met with swift and harsh backlash from Chinese companies and social media platforms.
Beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu, and cheese maker Milkground announced that they were ending their agreements with Mbappe, citing his "words and actions that hurt national sentiment." The China Football Association also lodged a protest with Real Madrid, demanding a public apology from the player and the club.
Mbappe has since apologized for his comments, stating that they were "ill-judged" and hurt many people in China and Chinese communities around the world. He expressed his deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and apologized for any offense caused.
The incident is the latest example of China's economic clout being used to compel foreign companies and individuals to toe its political line. In 2019, Chinese state television ceased broadcasting NBA games after the Houston Rockets' general manager tweeted support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
Mbappe's apology comes as China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that "words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with joint opposition from all sectors of Chinese society."
