Chinese Sponsors Cut Ties with Kylian Mbappé Over Mao Meme Backlash

French football player Kylian Mbappé has faced sponsorship terminations from multiple Chinese companies following the emergence of a video in which he comments on an AI-generated meme depicting him as Mao Zedong. The controversy unfolded around the time of the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.

According to reported details, the footage originated from a backstage interview with the French-language talk show *The Bridge*, filmed in April and posted on a Monday. In the clip, Mbappé discusses a meme featuring his face on the body of a Chinese dictator, stating that he finds it amusing and uses it with online friends.

Sponsor Reactions and Official Statements

Following the online backlash, several Chinese brands took immediate action:

• Dongpeng Beverage Group terminated its brand ambassador contract, issuing a statement expressing zero tolerance for conduct that hurts national feelings.
• Mengniu and Milkground, two Chinese dairy companies, also announced the termination of their partnerships with the athlete.
• Dongqiudi, a Chinese sports platform, stated it would decline to translate Mbappé's remarks due to the offence caused.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun publicly stated that Mbappé's remarks and deeds hurt Chinese people's feelings and would meet rejection from Chinese society.

Apologies and Show Response

• Kylian Mbappé issued an apology on Tuesday evening, acknowledging that his ill-judged comments hurt many people in China and globally, clarifying that offence was not his intention.
• The Bridge released an apology on Wednesday, expressing regret that the clip posted on Monday offended viewers, and subsequently removed the footage from its social media accounts.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Chinese state media reported that broadcasts of Spain's football league matches would be suspended due to the fallout.
• La Liga issued a statement noting deep regret over the offence caused while clarifying that the comments were made in a personal capacity.
• Observers can verify official announcements through the verified corporate social media accounts of the sponsoring brands and statements released by diplomatic spokespersons.