Chinese brands have ended partnerships with Kylian Mbappé after he allegedly made offensive comments about Mao Zedong in a recent interview.
Several Chinese companies recently ended partnerships with French football star Kylian Mbappé. This decision follows a growing online controversy regarding his comments about Mao Zedong. The forward reportedly discussed a meme featuring his face on a Chinese leader during a talk show.
Also, clips from the program The Bridge began circulating on Chinese social media platforms. Mbappé described this specific meme as his favorite in these unverified videos. He claimed he shares the image with his friends frequently.
Next, Chinese citizens expressed deep anger over the remarks. Many social media users accused the athlete of disrespecting the nation. Critics argue that public figures should handle national sentiments with greater care and sensitivity.
After that, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a public response to the situation. A spokesperson stated that hurtful words will naturally face opposition from society. Officials emphasized that the public feels offended by these comments.
Meanwhile, major Chinese brands like Mengniu and Dongpeng terminated their contracts with the player. These companies cited a zero-tolerance policy regarding actions that hurt national feelings. Neither company explicitly linked the move to the specific video clip.
Then, the situation escalated further across the country. Reports indicate that state broadcaster CCTV suspended La Liga matches in response to the controversy. Some apps associated with the broadcaster also removed content featuring the French striker.
However, the original interview video is no longer available on the show's official channel. This has caused confusion for some fans who are unsure about the exact context. Many people are still asking for clarification on what caused the offense.
Finally, Mbappé has not commented on the current backlash. The footballer previously noted that some memes about him lack political awareness. He once stated that he dislikes comparisons to historical figures who caused widespread human suffering.