Mbappé, of all things, touched on Mao Zedong... 'Dictator' remark → China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs steps in → Ads and broadcasts 'cut off' in extreme measure → 'Humiliating apology' in three languages

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kylian Mbappé (28, Real Madrid) faced fierce backlash after mentioning an internet meme that caricatures former Chinese President Mao Zedong. As critical public opinion spread within China and local sponsor companies successively terminated their contracts, the ripple effects grew, and Mbappé ultimately bowed his head in apology.

Recently, Mbappé appeared on the French online talk show "The Bridge" and cited "a meme that superimposes my face onto a Chinese dictator" as the most amusing among internet memes featuring himself. At the time, an image showing Mbappé's face superimposed onto a photo of Mao Zedong was displayed on the broadcast screen.

The remark immediately provoked backlash within China. Chinese public opinion criticized that referring to Mao Zedong as a "dictator" and making him a laughingstock "damaged national sentiments." China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also warned through a regular briefing that "words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will invite resistance from all sectors of society."

The commercial aftershocks were also severe. Major Chinese companies, including Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu, and Milkground, invoked a zero-tolerance policy to immediately terminate their advertising collaborations with Mbappé. Furthermore, China's state-run broadcaster CCTV took measures to completely halt the broadcast of La Liga matches in which Mbappé participates.

As the situation escalated, Mbappé issued an apology on the 27th in three languages: Chinese, English, and French. He stated, "My remarks at the time were reckless, and I sincerely apologize for hurting China and the global Chinese community," adding that he holds deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.

As the massive market, estimated to have broadcasting rights fees of over 110 billion won, began to waver, La Liga also moved quickly to contain the situation. The La Liga office issued an official statement, drawing a line by saying "Mbappé's remarks do not represent the league's position," and expressed regret to Chinese fans.

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, also met directly with the Chinese ambassador to Spain to apologize and conveyed his intention to continue maintaining the strategic cooperative relationships built with Chinese authorities and companies.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original