China suspends broadcasts of Mbappé matches after Mao Zedong joke
Chinese state television has suspended broadcasts of Spanish football league La Liga matches following a controversy involving Kylian Mbappé, the French forward for Real Madrid. The backlash erupted after comments he made about an internet meme featuring an image of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
According to Reuters, the restrictions also cover other competitions involving Mbappé, while advertisements featuring the football star have been pulled from Chinese television.
How the controversy began
On Oct. 26, a video began circulating online in which Mbappé discussed the funniest meme he had seen featuring himself. The image appeared to combine his face with a portrait of Mao Zedong.
Mbappé did not name the Chinese leader directly, instead referring to him as «some guy» and suggesting he was a «Chinese dictator.»
Read also: The origins of the ‘Kylian the dictator’ meme explained.
Notably, jokes about Mbappé’s «unlimited power» originated during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with fans suggesting that he wielded considerable influence over the club’s decisions. Images depicting him as historical figures such as Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and Mao Zedong subsequently circulated online.
Chinese sponsors cut ties with Mbappé
The video prompted criticism and calls to boycott Mbappé on Chinese social media. On Oct. 27, beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and cheese manufacturer Milkground announced that they were ending their partnerships with the football star.
The companies said they opposed words or actions that offended the national sentiments of the Chinese people.
Read also: The weight of the crown: Kylian Mbappé talks fame on new Vanity Fair cover.
Mbappé subsequently acknowledged that his comment had been ill-judged and apologized, saying he understood that his words had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
How Chinese television responded
China Media Group said it had taken note of Mbappé’s apology but would continue to assess his subsequent actions. The broadcaster also expressed hope that the player, Real Madrid and La Liga would learn from the incident.
La Liga also apologized to Chinese fans, saying it was working with its partners in China to resolve the situation.
