Mao meme goes awry; China halts La Liga broadcasts, Mbappe offers apology

BEIJING: French football star Kylian Mbappe courted controversy after he remarked China's founding leader Mao Zedong a dictator. Following this, three Chinese companies terminated their sponsorship contracts with Mbappe. Electrolyte drink maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese maker Milkground have all terminated their contracts with Mbappe, who is also captain of the France national team.

The companies said they oppose words and actions that hurt national sentiments. The action was taken after a video purported to be Mbappe's remark went viral on social media. Footage of an interview with Mbappe before appearing on a French online talk show sparked the controversy. When asked what his favourite meme was, Mbappe replied that it was a meme with his face on a picture of a supposed Chinese dictator. Chinese social media users alleged that Mbappe was referring to China's founding leader Mao Zedong, who died in 1976. It is unclear whether Mbappé's remarks in the controversial video were intentional.

Meanwhile, Chinese broadcaster CCTV suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga match and particularly any of them involving Mbappé’s team Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Mbappé came forward with an apology for his remarks, calling it ill-judged. La Liga also officially apologised to China for any offence caused.

Mbappé has been an active presence in advertisements for various products in China. He has appeared in commercials for everything from electrolyte drinks to milk and cheese products. An ad for Dongpeng features Mbappé chanting in Chinese. He also appeared in an advertisement for Mengniu alongside Lionel Messi.