Mbappe Issues Apology to China After Ads Canceled and Broadcasts Suspended Over Mao Zedong Remark

French football star Kylian Mbappe has issued an apology to China after controversy erupted over remarks mocking Mao Zedong, leading to the cancellation of his advertisements and the suspension of match broadcasts in the country.

According to local Chinese media, Mbappe was asked in an interview with a French media outlet about the funniest meme featuring his face. He replied, "It's the one photoshopping my face onto Chinese dictator Mao Zedong," adding, "I often use that meme when playing games with friends."

It is known that Mbappe has frequently been the subject of "dictator meme" edits on social media in the past.

Due to his strong-willed image, humorous posts superimposing Mbappe's face onto authoritarian rulers and soldiers from various countries around the world have been widely circulated.

While the emergence of the Mao Zedong composite image was not entirely new, Mbappe's remarks sparked a wave of criticism on Chinese social media accusing him of hurting "national sentiment."

In addition, major Chinese brands, including prominent dairy manufacturer Mengniu, Dongfeng Beverage, and Milk Ground, successively released statements announcing the suspension of their partnerships with Mbappe.

State broadcaster China Central Television completely halted broadcasts of Spain's La Liga and matches related to Mbappe starting October 26, while also pulling all advertisements featuring him.

Ultimately, Mbappe's side released an apology written in French, Chinese, and English.

In the apology, Mbappe stated that his recent interview remarks regarding a photo starring himself were inappropriate, and that such words hurt many people in China and Chinese communities around the world.

He added, "I apologize to everyone who was hurt by my words. It was never my intention, and I hold deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, for which I am sincerely sorry."

(Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Kim Ki-hyun | Graphics by Lee Jung-joo | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.