China Says It Takes Mbappe Apology Seriously After Mao Meme Uproar

China Says It Takes Mbappe Apology Seriously After Mao Meme Uproar

A TV Joke About a Dictator Meme Ignites the Row

The controversy began with a clip from the French talk show "The Bridge". Asked which meme of himself made him laugh most, Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe said it was a video where his face was digitally altered onto "some guy – I think he's a Chinese dictator". The clip showed his face superimposed on a figure resembling Mao Zedong in a blue suit. Mbappe said he used the image often with friends. He did not name Mao directly. The interview clip was later taken down.

Backlash Erupts a Day After Empty Night in London

Mbappe, 27, had left the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium empty-handed when an older interview clip resurfaced. The video spread quickly on Chinese social media. Comments on Weibo read "Don't ever come to China", while others accused him of profiting from the Chinese market yet making remarks that offend the Chinese public. Chinese football forum Dongqiudi said it was "unable to translate" his comments because they were offensive to China and the Chinese people.

Sponsors Walk Away as State TV Halts LaLiga Coverage

Three Chinese sponsors cut ties. Drinks maker Dongpeng said it had zero tolerance for behaviour offending national sentiment and was terminating all cooperation with Mbappe with immediate effect. Mengniu, one of China's major dairy producers, also cut ties. Milkground also announced an end to its partnership. On broadcasting, The Paper, cited by the Global Times, reported that China Media Group, CCTV's parent organisation, had suspended broadcasts of LaLiga matches and matches involving Mbappe starting Monday night, along with his advertising and video content. Some reports said his Weibo and Xiaohongshu accounts were frozen with notices about violating regulations.

Ill-Judged Remark, Says Mbappe in Apology Joined by Club

On 27 October Mbappe apologised on social media: "My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologise to everyone my words have upset." He said he had reacted to an image of himself. The following day, Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, issued its own apology, expressing support for Mbappe's statement and reiterating respect for the Chinese people. Spain's LaLiga also apologised.

Beijing Notes Apology While Warning Against Hurting Feelings

China's foreign ministry first responded through spokesperson Lin Jian, saying it had noted the reports and that words and deeds hurting the feelings of the Chinese people would be opposed by all sectors of society. On 28 October, spokesperson Guo Jiakun, asked about the apology, said: "We take seriously the apology that the person has made." The Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily said in an online column that once a public figure's speech crosses the limit or steps on a red line, he becomes a brand's negative asset, and it was a matter of principle and business logic for Chinese platforms and companies to cut ties.

Why Mocking Mao Remains a Red Line in China

Multiple outlets note that mocking Mao remains taboo. Mao ruled from 1949 until his death in 1976, a period marked by mass famine and political violence that historians blame for millions of deaths, while the ruling Communist Party still regards him as a national icon. What happens next depends on whether the broadcast suspension lasts, whether sponsors return, and whether Mbappe can rebuild trust with Chinese fans who once followed him in their millions on social media.