Mbappe apology fails to stem China backlash

French football star Kylian Mbappe’s apology over remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong has failed to quell the backlash in China, where Spanish La Liga broadcasts have been suspended, major companies have severed commercial ties with him and restrictions have been imposed on his social media accounts.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday (October 28) that Beijing took Mbappe’s apology seriously. The Real Madrid forward had apologised in French, Chinese and English on Tuesday, acknowledging that his remarks were ill-judged and had hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide.

The controversy erupted after a video from French programme 'The Bridge' circulated online. Discussing an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on an image of a Chinese leader, Mbappe described the person as a Chinese dictator without explicitly naming Mao.

The fallout has spread to the commercial sector. China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, suspended La Liga match broadcasts, while beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and Milkground ended their commercial partnerships with the footballer. La Liga also expressed regret over the offence caused to Chinese fans.

Mbappe has continued to face criticism on Chinese social media, with restrictions reported on his accounts on Weibo and Xiaohongshu. The controversy underscores the commercial and reputational risks international sports stars face when their remarks touch on politically sensitive historical issues in China.

-AH