Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé issued a public apology in Chinese social media channels following widespread backlash over an interview in which he referred to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a “dictator.” The French national team captain stated that his remark was imprudent and acknowledged that he had offended many people in China and global Chinese communities.
Public Apology on Social Media
The controversy emerged after Mbappé appeared on the interview program The Bridge, where discussion turned toward internet memes involving his likeness. Asked which viral jokes amused him the most, the attacker mentioned an image depicting his face superimposed on the Chinese revolutionary figure. With the one I’ve laughed at the most, they use my face on a Chinese dictator,
Mbappé said during the broadcast, adding that he shared the image with friends.
Following heavy criticism from internet users in China, Mbappé released a statement addressing the remarks directly. During a recent interview, I made a comment about an image of myself,
the statement read. My comment was imprudent and I now understand that it has offended many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.
pic.twitter.com/MQBo9NCSy5
The forward emphasized his respect for the country and its heritage. I apologize to all the people my words may have offended. That was not my intention at all. I have a deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sorry from the bottom of my heart.
China Media Group Suspends La Liga Broadcasts
The remarks drew swift condemnation from state and media organizations within the country. The China Media Group announced immediate punitive measures, stating it would suspend all television broadcasts of La Liga matches and remove commercial advertisements featuring the Real Madrid star.
The suspension impacts distribution of Spanish league fixtures across state-backed platforms in the region, cutting off access for domestic viewers and halting marketing campaigns tied to the player.
Worth a look
