Real Madrid apologizes to China after Kylian Mbappé's comment about Mao
Kylian Mbappé sparked a major backlash in China after making remarks about Mao Zedong on The Bridge and in a podcast, calling him a dictator. Chinese media and state television responded by suspending LaLiga broadcasts and removing Mbappé-related ads. Multiple companies, including Dongpeng and Mengniu, ended sponsorship deals with him, and his social media accounts were banned. Real Madrid and La Liga issued apologies, and China's foreign ministry said such remarks face public rejection.
- Mbappé referred to Mao Zedong as a dictator.
- Mbappé lost three contracts with Chinese companies.
- China's state television suspended broadcasts of LaLiga.
- Real Madrid issued formal apologies to China.
- Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that any statement hurting Chinese people's feelings meets common rejection.
- La Liga understands the harm Mbappé's remark caused.
- Dongpeng and Mengniu terminated their sponsorship deals with Mbappé.
- Dongpeng issued a statement opposing behavior that offends national sentiments.
- Dongqiudi stated it would not translate Mbappé's remarks because they cause offense to China.
- Mengniu stated it has a zero-tolerance policy for actions hurting Chinese people.
- RedNote announced it would withdraw promotional materials related to Mbappé.
- Mbappé stated he has deep respect for the Chinese people and history.
- Beijing acknowledged the apology.
- Javier Tebas, president of the patronal, expressed regret for any damage caused by the statements.
- Jokes about Mao Zedong are considered disrespectful in China.
- Mbappé was banned from Xiaohongshu for violating community rules.
- Chinese state television is barring Kylian Mbappé's matches.
- Mengniu, China's largest dairy producer, terminated cooperation with Kylian Mbappe.
- Three Chinese companies stopped sponsoring the player.
- China Media Group prompted companies and broadcasters to distance themselves from Mbappe.
- The companies stated they oppose statements insulting national feelings.
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