Kylian Mbappe apologises to China over Mao Zedong remark, loses brand deals after dictator meme controversy; what did Real Madrid star say?

Kylian Mbappe is facing backlash after his comments on late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. After his statement, two Chinese companies decided to terminate their partnerships with him. The Real Madrid star has now issued an apology amid fierce backlash. The French star said his words were "ill-judged," and said it was “absolutely not my intention” to hurt the sentiments of China and the Chinese communities around the world.

Why is Kylian Mbappe facing heat?

Mbappe reportedly made comments on the French talk show The Bridge. He was asked which online meme of his made him laugh the most. He allegedly said, "It's the one where there's a video of a guy, I think it's a Chinese dictator..." According to BBC, he then laughs as the clip cuts to a meme showing his superimposed on an image resembling Mao.

The dictator meme on Mbappe is part of a running joke about the French star because of his huge influence in football.

Mbappe later issued a statement and said, "My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," according to BBC.

Spain's La Liga also issued an apology and said it deeply regrets the offence that Mbappe's recent comments have caused.

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Mbappe loses two major China sponsorship deals

The video was recirculated on Reddit and Chinese social media platforms. Mengniu, China's largest dairy producer, decided to cut ties with Mbappe. It issued a statement and said, "With immediate effect our company is terminating all cooperation with Kylian Mbappe." The company also said that it firmly opposed and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.

Meanwhile, drinks giant Dongpeng also issued a statement. It said, "Our company firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that offends national sentiments."

How is the reaction in China?

Many Chinese nationals have criticised Mbappe. Although he is a popular figure in the country, many now say that he made profits from the Chinese market and yet made remarks that offended the Chinese public.

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According to Global Times, state broadcaster CCTV's news apps will not feature content related to Kylian Mbappe.

Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry said, according to BBC, “Words and deeds that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with opposition from all sectors of Chinese society."