Video. Mao Comments Won't Cause Big Economic Issues for Mbappé, Says Expert
Chinese authorities and state media condemned the remarks, while Weibo and Xiaohongshu froze his accounts and brands cut ties.
- On Wednesday, China Media Group suspended La Liga broadcasts after Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe apologized for comments about Mao Zedong. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed they take the apology "seriously" but indicated potential further consequences.
- A clip from the French show "The Bridge" sparked controversy by showing Mbappe amused by a meme depicting his face on Mao Zedong. The Chinese public viewed the comparison as offensive, citing the former leader's role in the Great Leap Forward.
- At least three Chinese brands, including Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground, terminated partnerships on Tuesday. Social media platforms Xiaohongshu and Weibo simultaneously banned Mbappe's accounts, citing violations of laws or the Weibo Community Convention.
- The China Football Association demanded a public apology, while La Liga stated it "deeply regrets the offence that Mbappe's recent comments have caused among Chinese fans." The league pledged a new communication protocol to prevent future incidents.
- This incident mirrors the 2019 fallout involving the NBA and Houston Rockets executive Daryl Morey after he tweeted support for Hong Kong protests. Beijing routinely leverages economic influence to compel foreign entities to align with its political sensitivities.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has issued a statement regarding Kylian Mbappe, whose comments about Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People's Republic of China, sparked outrage and who later apologized. The French star, whose advertising deals with Chinese companies were terminated, stated that he respects the Chinese people and their history, while LaLiga also apologized to the Chinese people.
Video. Mao comments won't cause big economic issues for Mbappé, says expert
Video. Sports journalist Ken Early said Kylian Mbappé was probably “as surprised as anybody” after a joke involving a meme depicting the Real Madrid forward as Mao Zedong sparked a reaction by China.
China said on Wednesday it was taking seriously an apology from soccer star Kylian Mbappe for comments mocking the country's former leader Mao Zedong.
Mbappe loses major Chinese sponsors after Mao meme joke goes viral? Xi’s firebrand breaks silence
China has issued a pointed warning over remarks it says offend the Chinese people, after French football star Kylian Mbappé faced a backlash over a video appearing to joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Several Chinese brands have reportedly cut ties with the Real Madrid forward, while Beijing says such remarks will face “united opposition.” But that is not the only issue on Beijing’s radar. As the Iran conflict involving the United Sta…
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Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
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