Chinese brands cut ties with Kylian Mbappé over Mao joke

Several Chinese sponsors have cut ties with French footballer Kylian Mbappé, the BBC, ABC News Australia and Reuters reported. The decision follows growing backlash over video footage in which the Real Madrid forward commented on a meme that depicted him as late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. [1][2][6]

The BBC and ABC News Australia reported that the clip shows Mbappé speaking on the French talk show The Bridge. In the recording, Mbappé reportedly said the meme that made him laugh the most featured his face on the body of a Chinese dictator. ABC News Australia added that Mbappé stated he would use the image frequently with his friends online. [1][2]

According to the BBC, the nickname the dictator is a popular meme and running joke regarding Mbappé due to his influence. However, the comments caused offense in China, where Mao Zedong is revered by the ruling Communist Party. [1]

The Global Times reported that Chinese internet users have called on Mbappé to apologize as corporate brands continue to sever their commercial partnerships with the player. [5]