Kylian Mbappé Loses Major Chinese Endorsements Over Mao Zedong Video Controversy
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé lost major commercial partnerships in China on Tuesday after a video circulated online showing the French football star apparently joking about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Energy drink producer Dongpeng and dairy manufacturer Mengniu both terminated their cooperation with the player with immediate effect, citing a zero-tolerance policy toward behavior that offends national sentiments.
Brands Terminate Contracts as Online Backlash Grows
The controversy erupted after digital footage emerged in which Mbappé described a meme featuring his face photoshopped onto that of “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator” as the funniest image he had seen. This was an apparent reference to a meme of Mbappé superimposed on an image of Mao, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China who died in 1976. AFP Fact Check stated that the authenticity of the video could not immediately be verified. Dongqiudi, one of China’s biggest online football outlets, stated that Mbappé’s remarks were offensive to China and the Chinese people.
Major corporate partners moved swiftly to distance themselves from the 27-year-old forward. Dongpeng issued a statement declaring that the company firmly opposes any actions that offend national sentiments and terminated all cooperation immediately. Mengniu, recognized as China’s largest dairy producer, issued a similar statement confirming the immediate cancellation of its partnership with the France captain. AI-generated images of the 27-year-old France captain drinking a Dongpeng sports drink were regularly shown in China during this year’s World Cup.
Social Media Fallout Expands
The phrase regarding Dongpeng ending cooperation with Mbappé became the top-trending topic on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, where users criticized the player for profiting from the domestic market while making remarks that offended public sentiment.
The diplomatic sensitivity surrounding political figures in China carries historical precedent. In 2019, a tweet supporting Hong Kong protests led to China suspending sponsorship deals with the NBA and pulling games off Chinese television for a year. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that words and deeds hurting the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally meet opposition from all sectors of Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mbappé Controversy
What specific remarks did Kylian Mbappé make in the viral video?
The video shows Mbappé stating that the funniest internet meme he had encountered involved his face superimposed onto that of “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator,” which was an apparent reference to Mao Zedong.
Which companies have officially cut ties with the football star?
Energy drink maker Dongpeng and dairy producer Mengniu both announced the immediate termination of their commercial partnerships with Mbappé following the online backlash.
Has the authenticity of the circulating video been confirmed?
No, AFP Fact Check reported that the authenticity of the video could not immediately be verified when it began circulating on digital platforms.
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