China’s state broadcaster confirmed the suspension of LaLiga match broadcasts on October 26, following a controversial social media meme shared by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé involving a depiction of a Chinese dictator. The dispute escalated on Wednesday when the China Media Group (CMG) rejected subsequent explanations from Real Madrid and additional statements from the player, stating that the remarks crossed fundamental boundaries and that the club cannot evade responsibility.
State Broadcaster Halts LaLiga and Mbappé Content
The Sports and Youth Center of the China Media Group confirmed the ongoing broadcast blackout of LaLiga fixtures, matches featuring Mbappé, and associated commercial advertisements across its state television and digital platforms. CMG maintained that until the Spanish club and the player offer satisfactory apologies, there is nothing further to discuss. The fallout began when Mbappé, during an interview question regarding his favorite internet meme, stated that he found humor in a digital montage featuring his own face superimposed onto that of a Chinese dictator, without explicitly naming Mao Zedong.
Chinese Brands Terminate Commercial Agreements with Mbappé
The comments triggered immediate economic consequences within the Chinese market. Multiple Chinese corporate partners moved quickly to terminate their commercial agreements with the French international. Brands including Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground severed their sponsorship contracts with Mbappé, while domestic digital platforms simultaneously restricted content associated with the forward.
LaLiga Intervenes With Diplomatic Outreach
In an effort to salvage broadcast partnerships and commercial ties in East Asia, LaLiga president Javier Tebas sent a formal letter to CMG condemning the player’s behavior as unacceptable and issuing an apology for the offense caused. Tebas also held a meeting on Tuesday with Yao Jing, the Chinese ambassador to Spain, to seek a resolution. LaLiga maintains broad cooperative agreements in the region, anchored by a strategic partnership with the Chinese professional football league scheduled to run through 2029.
Real Madrid and Player Responses Rejected
Following requests from Chinese state media for formal written apologies from the league, the club, and the player, Mbappé released a statement in French, Chinese, and English expressing profound respect for the Chinese people and their history. Real Madrid separately conveyed that the forward never intended to cause offense and was exercising personal expression. CMG rejected that defense on Wednesday, asserting that the comments transcended standard freedom of expression, offended the Chinese public, and implicated the club directly.
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Chinese state television has suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches following remarks by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe about Mao Zedong, state-owned China Media Group announces. pic.twitter.com/LGYgvZ1oN8
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