Kylian Mbappé Loses Chinese Brand Deals Following Dictator Remark Controversy

French soccer star Kylian Mbappé faced a wave of backlash in China after an interview clip circulated online showing him discussing internet memes that compared him to Mao Zedong. Following public outrage and the termination of several commercial partnerships, both Mbappé and La Liga issued public apologies.

Commercial Fallout and Apologies

• Brand Terminations: Chinese companies including Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu Dairy, and Milkground announced the termination of their commercial ties with Mbappé.
• Platform Action: The social media platform Xiaohongshu stated that its contract with Mbappé had ended, and a suspension notice appeared on his account.
• Official Apologies: Mbappé issued a public apology stating his comments were "ill-judged," while La Liga President Javier Tebas expressed deep regret over the remarks.

Background and Context

The controversy began after a clip from a spring interview on the French online talk show "The Bridge" resurfaced on social media. During the segment, Mbappé reacted to internet memes depicting him as an authoritarian figure, specifically referencing a video featuring an image of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of communist China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a briefing that actions hurting the feelings of the Chinese people would face collective boycotts. Meanwhile, state-backed media reported that sports events and advertisements involving Mbappé faced broadcasting suspensions in China.

Practical Implications and Verification

Observers note that international athletes and public figures navigating the Chinese market often face swift commercial consequences when drawn into political sensitivities. To verify the original announcements and statements, readers can consult official social media channels of the involved brands, La Liga, and direct statements published by Kylian Mbappé.