Mbappé's comment triggers Chinese backlash

During a French talk show appearance, Kylian Mbappé described a meme figure as a Chinese dictator, widely perceived as referring to Mao. Within days, three sponsors cut ties with him.

China suspends LaLiga broadcasts

China Media Group, the state broadcaster, said it would suspend broadcasts of LaLiga, Spain's top soccer league, and other games involving Mbappé in response to his comments.

Three sponsors end relationships

Dongpeng, a beverage maker; Mengniu, a dairy giant; and Milkground, a cheese maker all ended their relationships with Mbappé. The companies did not specify what prompted their decisions.

Mbappé and Real Madrid apologize

Mbappé wrote on X that his comment was ill-judged and hurt people in China. Real Madrid also apologized, saying the club maintains deep respect for China, its history, culture and citizens.

“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.”

LaLiga seeks damage control

LaLiga president Javier Tebas met with the Chinese ambassador to Spain to seek solutions. He said the league's commitment is to keep working together so an individual episode does not harm important advances.

Pattern of celebrity backlash in China

Mbappé joins a growing list.In 2019, Daryl Morey's Hong Kong tweet cost the Houston Rockets NBA broadcasts until 2022.H&M's Xinjiang cotton stance triggered boycotts.Lululemon apologized for using a Japanese drum at a Great Wall event.