Mbappé apologizes to China over “Chinese dictator” meme comment

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé apologized after his comment about a meme replacing a “Chinese dictator’s” face with his own sparked widespread anger in China and led sponsors to drop him. La Liga president Javier Tebas also apologized to the Chinese people.

Real Madrid’s French forward Kylian Mbappé apologized to Chinese fans after a video circulated in which he was asked which meme made him laugh the most. He replied that it was an image replacing a “Chinese dictator’s face, I think” with his own, adding that he regularly sent it to his friends.

The French podcast The Bridge published the clip, apparently filmed in April. Although Mbappé did not mention any name, many people in China understood his remarks as referring to late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

“My comment was inappropriate”

In a statement in French, Chinese and English, Mbappé said: “My comment was inappropriate, and I now realize that it hurt many people in China. I apologize to everyone who was upset by my words.” He affirmed his deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.

ملعب سانتياغو برنابيو (أرشيف)

Sponsors withdraw and broadcasts halted

Chinese beverage company Dongpeng immediately ended its contract with the player, while dairy company Mengniu also cut ties with him. The Paper reported that China’s state television halted broadcasts of La Liga matches and events involving Mbappé.

La Liga president Javier Tebas apologized for the harm caused by the player, saying that one person’s remarks could not be allowed to damage the league’s longstanding relationship with China, its ties with more than 20 clubs and Chinese fans.