From SI · · 1m 20s
Mbappé Apologizes After Mocked as Mao Zedong
Mbappé apologizes for mocking Mao Zedong in meme, risking sponsorships and La Liga deals.
In brief
Mbappé apologizes for mocking Mao Zedong in meme, risking sponsorships and La Liga deals. Mbappé apologized for joking about Mao Zedong in a meme, causing Chinese sponsors to drop him and La Liga to issue a public apology. Originally reported by SI.
Mbappé’s Ballon d'Or Apology
Mbappé made public apology to Chinese people and their history after Ballon d'Or ceremony.
“My comment was ill-judged, and i now understand that it hurt many people in china and in chinese communities around the world. i apologize to everyone my words have upset. this was absolutely not my intention. i have deep respect for the chinese people and their history, and i am sincerely sorry.”
Meme Controversy Origin
Mbappé joked about being mocked as Mao Zedong on The Bridge show in April.
“The one where i laughed the hardest was when they put up a video of some guy, i think it was a chinese dictator”
Chinese Backlash
Chinese foreign ministry condemned Mbappé’s remarks as hurting chinese people’s feelings.
“Words and actions that hurt the feelings of the chinese people will naturally be met with joint opposition from all sectors of chinese society”
Sponsor Withdrawals
Mengniu and Dongpeng expressed zero tolerance for Mbappé’s remarks.
“any words or actions that offend the feelings of the chinese people”
Social Media Purges
Milkground and RedNote removed Mbappé content after relationship expired 18 months ago.
“its relationship with the record world cup scorer had expired more than 18 months ago”
Brand Switches
Dior, Hublot, and On removed Mbappé content from Weibo after Mbappé switched from Nike.
“the real madrid superstar only recently announced the surprise decision to ditch nike after a 20-year association for a lucrative new deal with on”
Financial Impact
Mbappé earns $30 million annually from sponsorships, with China as a major market for On.
“china as a major market for on”
La Liga Response
Chinese Football Association demanded Real Madrid apologize for ethical standards.
“internationally renowned athletes, in particular, should strictly adhere to ethical standards, speak rationally and cherish their public influence”
CCTV Suspension
CCTV suspended La Liga matches involving Mbappé for 2024-2026 agreement.
“the chinese state broadcaster china central television has immediately suspended broadcasts of matches involving la ligas and mbappe”
La Liga Apology
La Liga president Tebas apologized for Mbappé’s remarks affecting Chinese fans.
“we understand the harm caused by these remarks. on behalf of la ligas i extend our sincere apologies to the chinese people”
Relationship Impact
La Liga fears over 20 clubs and millions of fans affected by Mbappé’s remarks.
“we cannot allow individual actions to damage this relationship, nor can we let more than 20 clubs in our professional competitions and millions of chinese fans be adversely affected”
What matters most
Mbappé apologized for joking about Mao Zedong in a meme, causing Chinese sponsors to drop him and La Liga to issue a public apology.
