Mbappé apologizes for “Chinese dictator” remark as Chinese brands cut ties

Kylian Mbappé apologized on October 27 after three Chinese companies cut ties with him over a “Chinese dictator” remark made during an interview about internet memes.

Asked about his favorite meme of himself, Mbappé described a video of “a guy ... I think he was a Chinese dictator,” according to the Associated Press. The interview clip, linked to the French online talk show The Bridge, then showed an image combining his face with Mao Zedong’s likeness. He did not name Mao in that remark.

In his October 27 statement, Mbappé called his comment “ill-judged” and acknowledged that it had hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. He apologized, said he had not intended to cause offense and expressed respect for the Chinese people and their history.

At a briefing that day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people would naturally meet opposition across Chinese society.

The Chinese Football Association said in a statement that evening that it had lodged a protest with Real Madrid and demanded formal public apologies from both Mbappé and the club.

Beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy group Mengniu and cheese producer Milkground said in separate statements that they were ending all partnerships with Mbappé immediately. Each said it opposed remarks or conduct that hurt national sentiment or the feelings of the Chinese people.

CCTV halted broadcasts of LaLiga matches and games involving Mbappé on the evening of October 26, The Paper reported, citing confirmation from China Media Group, which runs the broadcaster. It also pulled advertisements featuring the Real Madrid player.

LaLiga apologized to Chinese fans on behalf of the league and its clubs on October 27, while saying Mbappé’s personal comments did not represent its views. League president Javier Tebas also apologized. LaLiga said it would develop cultural awareness and communication guidelines with clubs and players, and continue working with partners and institutions in China to address the controversy.

Later that evening, CCTV Sports quoted a China Media Group representative as saying the broadcaster would judge Mbappé by his actions as well as his words. The representative called on LaLiga, Real Madrid and Mbappé to learn from the incident, offer sincere apologies and change their behavior.