Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe apologises for Mao Zedong jokes; LaLiga, Javier Tebas release statements
(Courtesy : LaLiga)
Mbappe is facing a massive backlash from Chinese viewers.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has issued an apology to the Chinese people after making joking remarks about Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong, which drew an intense backlash in China.
Kylian Mbappe made the comments during a recent interview with the French talk show The Bridge. The forward was asked about his favourite meme and replied:
“(The meme) that makes me laugh the most, it’s the one where there’s a video of a guy, I think it’s a Chinese dictator…”
The show then displayed an image of Mbappe’s face superimposed on Mao Zedong. This was part of a broader joke in which Mbappe has been referred to as ‘the dictator’ because of his influence in both the Real Madrid and France squads.
Although the comments appear to have been intended as a joke, they have triggered major criticism in China, where Mao is regarded by the Communist Party as the founding leader of the nation.
Mbappe has already been dropped by at least three Chinese sponsors – Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground.
Moreover, Chinese state television CCTV also announced that LaLiga broadcasts will be suspended across the Asian nation as a result of Mbappe’s comments.
Also Read: Kylian Mbappe loses Chinese sponsors after Mao Zedong jokes
Kylian Mbappe ‘sincerely sorry’
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Mbappe took to social media to release a lengthy statement apologising to the Chinese people. He acknowledged the offence caused by his statements and expressed remorse for his actions.
“During a recent interview, I reacted to an image featuring myself. My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappe wrote.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. That was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”
Even before Mbappe published his apology, both LaLiga and its president, Javier Tebas, took to social media to condemn the Real Madrid forward’s actions and apologise to the Chinese people.
“From LALIGA, we deeply regret the statements made by Kylian Mbappé that have caused discomfort and offence in China,” Tebas wrote on X. “We understand the harm caused and, on behalf of LALIGA, I wish to convey our sincere apologies to the Chinese people.”
Tebas also said that LaLiga was working with its partners in China to resolve the situation. LaLiga’s official X account also issued a separate apology.
“LALIGA deeply regrets the offence caused by Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments among Chinese fans. These comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent LALIGA. To the extent of our institutional responsibility, we apologise on behalf of LALIGA and all its clubs.”
What did Kylian Mbappe say about Mao Zedong?
Mbappe allegedly discussed a meme featuring his face superimposed on an image of Mao Zedong. However, the circulating videos do not clearly establish that he named Mao.
Which Chinese sponsors ended deals with Kylian Mbappe?
Chinese beverage company DongPeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese company Milkground reportedly terminated their sponsorship associations with Mbappe.
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