Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke
Chinese brands are distancing themselves from footballer Kylian Mbappé following online backlash regarding his comments about a 'Chinese dictator' meme. The controversy centers on perceived disrespect toward Mao Zedong, drawing criticism from Chinese social media users and the Chinese foreign ministry.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the significant commercial risks for international public figures when navigating the sensitive political and cultural landscape of the Chinese market.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A backlash has erupted on Chinese social media over Mbappé's comments on a "Chinese dictator"
Several Chinese brands have dropped French footballer Kylian Mbappé as backlash grew online over alleged comments by him referring to the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Mbappé reportedly told French talk show The Bridge a meme "that makes me laugh the most...the one where there's a video of a guy, I think it's a Chinese dictator". As he speaks, a meme appears with his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao.
"I use it with my friends all the time," the Real Madrid forward adds, in unverified clips that have been circulating online.
Mbappé does not identify Mao by name and the original video is no longer on the show's YouTube channel, but screengrabs have spread on Chinese social media.
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Chinese Brands Drop Kylian Mbappe After Video References Mao Zedong
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