Real Madrid and Mbappé apologize after Mao remark draws backlash in China
publishers 64articles 88first reported 27 Oct, 03:54 UTCdeveloping since 27 Oct · 6 editions
Real Madrid apologized to the Chinese people on Wednesday after forward Kylian Mbappé’s remarks about a meme depicting him as Mao Zedong prompted sponsors to cut ties and Chinese state television to suspend broadcasts.
In a video linked to French football podcast The Bridge, Mbappé was asked which meme featuring him he found funniest. He described one showing his face superimposed on “a Chinese dictator,” without naming Mao. The clip itself displayed the altered image of the late Chinese leader and was later removed.
Mbappé apologized on Tuesday in French, Chinese and English, calling his remarks inappropriate and saying he had not intended to cause offense. He said he respected the Chinese people and their history.
Chinese companies including Mengniu, Eastroc Beverage and Milkground ended or suspended cooperation with Mbappé. China Media Group, the parent of state broadcaster CCTV, suspended La Liga broadcasts involving him and removed related advertisements. CCTV Sports also rejected an initial explanation from Real Madrid as inadequate and demanded public apologies.
Real Madrid subsequently apologized for “any discomfort” caused by Mbappé’s words and expressed respect for China, its history, culture and citizens. La Liga also expressed regret over the offense caused.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China took Mbappé’s apology seriously but did not say whether measures against the player and Spanish football broadcasts would be lifted.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 7 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 72 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 64
- Source articles
- 88
- Given to the writer
- 8, 7 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 72 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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