Kylian Mbappé’s apology prompts backlash in China
China’s Foreign Ministry stated Wednesday it has taken Kylian Mbappé’s apology “seriously” for remarks deemed disrespectful to Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China, as the fallout continues, reports BritPanorama.
Mbappé faced significant backlash on Tuesday following comments made during an online interview. As a result, he has lost sponsorship agreements with three Chinese companies: beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy firm Mengniu, and cheese producer Milkground. Each company issued statements expressing their opposition to any words or actions that could harm national sentiment.
During a daily press briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun remarked, “We take seriously the apology he has made.” It remains uncertain whether this apology will facilitate the recovery of the brand deals or reinstatement of his visibility in China, where his team’s matches were not available to viewers on Wednesday.
The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official publication, noted online that “once a public figure’s speech and actions cross the limit,” they risk becoming “a brand’s negative asset.” This statement emphasized the business logic that drives Chinese platforms and companies to sever ties with figures who they perceive to disrespect their values.
This incident reflects a broader trend where China has wielded its economic influence to compel both foreign enterprises and individuals to issue public apologies for perceived slights. For instance, in 2019, Chinese state television halted broadcasts of NBA games after statements made by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey that supported anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
China Media Group also announced the suspension of broadcasts featuring Mbappé and matches from La Liga, demanding apologies from both La Liga and Real Madrid, as well as from the player himself.
On Tuesday, Mbappé expressed regret, stating, “My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.” He continued, “I apologize to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”
Spanish league president Javier Tebas quickly offered a public apology, emphasizing La Liga’s dedication to maintaining its partnerships within China. Real Madrid followed suit on Wednesday, expressing regret regarding the comments and reaffirming its respect for the Chinese populace.
China Media Group confirmed receipt of Real Madrid’s apology but refrained from additional commentary, previously insisting that the club’s stance that a player is entitled to personal opinions was unacceptable.
Mbappé’s volatile remarks stemmed from a question during an interview about his favourite memes, to which he responded by referencing a video depicting him alongside an altered image of Mao Zedong. This incident has sparked widespread online memes portraying Mbappé as an autocratic leader, a comparison that resonates in popular discourse despite the sensitivity surrounding such political figures.
While Mao Zedong is viewed by some as a revolutionary leader who shaped modern China, his legacy is marked by widespread authoritarianism and tragic campaigns resulting in millions of deaths. The Chinese government’s ongoing censorship means that many were unaware of the specifics surrounding Mbappé’s comments, which were not reported by state media or brands that severed ties with him.
“Maybe he said something he shouldn’t have again and hurt people’s feelings here in China,” remarked He Xiaodou, a finance worker in Beijing, acknowledging the controversy but lacking clarity on its details. Others, however, suggested a more tempered reaction. “I think maybe some people or some companies are overreacting on this issue,” stated Li Zhi, a lawyer in Beijing. “It’s not a big deal. It’s not the first time this happened.”
