Mbappe dropped by two Chinese brands over video referencing Mao Zedong
French footballer Kylian Mbappe has been dropped by two major Chinese brands, Dongpeng and Mengniu, following an online video where he joked about Mao Zedong. The companies cited a zero-tolerance policy toward behavior that offends Chinese national sentiments.
Why it matters
This highlights the significant financial and reputational risks international celebrities face when navigating the sensitive political landscape of the Chinese market.
BEIJING, Oct 27 — Kylian Mbappe was dropped Tuesday by two major brands in China after a video circulated online in which the French football star apparently joked about former leader Mao Zedong.
“Our company firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that offends national sentiments,” drinks giant Dongpeng said in a statement, adding that “with immediate effect we are terminating all cooperation with Kylian Mbappe”.
Mengniu, China’s largest dairy producer, also cut ties with the Real Madrid and France forward.
“With immediate effect our company is terminating all cooperation with Kylian Mbappe,” Mengniu said in a statement.
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Chinese Brands Drop Kylian Mbappe After Video References Mao Zedong
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