Experts say their reputations in China will not be easily or quickly repaired after a video showed the France star making fun of former leader Mao Zedong.
Key takeaways
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, and LaLiga apologized after the French striker's comments mocking Mao Zedong sparked outrage in China. In response, major Chinese brands severed ties with Mbappe, and CCTV removed Spanish football broadcasts from its schedule.
- Mbappe's remarks about a meme featuring Mao Zedong caused significant diplomatic and commercial friction with Beijing.
- Chinese state media and social users criticized the incident, leading to immediate brand boycotts and media blackouts.
- Apologies were issued by Mbappe, Real Madrid, and LaLiga within two days, which China's foreign ministry acknowledged.
Summarised automatically by AI from the original article by Free Malaysia Today. AI can make mistakes, so check the original for details.
An advertisement featuring French football star Kylian Mbappe for Dongpeng Beverage Group's electrolyte drink is displayed on a bus in Shanghai. (AFP pic)BEIJING: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga have apologised for the superstar striker's comments about Mao Zedong, but the damage to their reputation in China won't be easily or quickly repaired, experts say.
The France captain, one of the best footballers on the planet, is at the centre of a major row after a video emerged this week of him appearing to make fun of former leader Mao.
Mbappe talked about being amused by an internet meme of his face photoshopped onto "some guy, think he's a Chinese dictator".
Mao remains officially revered as the hero of the communist revolution and founder of the People's Republic of China.
