Kylian Mbappé Apologizes to China After Mao Zedong Meme Controversy

As an image spread across social media, now, Kylian Mbappé is trying to put an end to a controversy that escalated all the way to China’s highest authorities

Mbappé Apologizes to the Chinese People

Kylian Mbappé, the French international and Real Madrid star, apologized to the Chinese people through a statement on social media, saying that a recent interview had conveyed an image of him that was not accurate and acknowledging that his remarks may have offended the Chinese community, for which he has "deep respect, both for its people and its history."

"In a recent interview, I reacted to a photo of myself posing. That comment was a slip-up, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and within the Chinese community around the world. I apologize to everyone who was offended by my words. It was never my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry," Mbappé said.

The French forward issued his apology in three languages: French, Chinese, and English, through a statement released in Paris by his company, Interconnected Ventures.

The Mao Zedong Meme Controversy

The remarks made by the French footballer regarding a meme comparing him to Mao Zedong sparked a strong reaction in China on Tuesday, leading to measures ranging from the suspension of LaLiga broadcasts and the termination of commercial agreements to the removal of the player's content from digital platforms.

The controversy quickly escalated across the country and increased pressure on the French striker, ultimately prompting him to release a public statement in an attempt to ease tensions.

China’s Government and LaLiga Respond

The controversy eventually reached the Chinese government, whose Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that words and actions that "hurt the feelings of the Chinese people" would be rejected by all sectors of society.

LaLiga, meanwhile, said it "deeply regrets" the offense caused to Chinese fans by the comments made by Kylian Mbappé and stated that it is working with its partners and institutional stakeholders in China.EFE