China Turns Mbappe’s Mao Meme Joke Into Political Controversy
Chinese brands cut ties with the French soccer star, state TV suspended broadcasts, and major media outlets avoided repeating his remarks.
TL;DR
- Kylian Mbappe lost Chinese sponsorship deals after joking about a Mao Zedong meme.
- The incident triggered criticism from Chinese state media and a response from Beijing.
- Mbappe referred to the person in the meme as a "Chinese dictator."
- His comments led to commercial boycotts and restrictions on coverage in China.
- Mbappe issued an apology in French, Chinese, and English, calling his comments "ill-judged."