Soccer Star Faces Chinese Backlash for Mao Remark

Kylian Mbappe is learning how fast an off-hand comment can cost you in China. The France and Real Madrid soccer star issued a public apology Tuesday after Chinese companies abruptly severed ties over an old talk show interview in which he joked about a meme placing his face on China's founding communist leader Mao Zedong, whom Mbappe referred to as "a Chinese dictator," per Reuters. The 27-year-old given the nickname "the dictator" now calls the remark "ill-judged," saying he understands it offended people in China and Chinese communities globally.

It's a social taboo in China to insult or joke about Mao, who died in 1976. State media framed the backlash as a warning that celebrities can't cash in on China while appearing to disrespect it. Dairy giants Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground, plus Eastroc Beverage, said they were cutting ties with Mbappe "effective immediately," while state TV reportedly halted all ads and La Liga broadcasts featuring the soccer star. The Spanish league has also apologized for Mbappe's comments, which apparently caused the athlete's Xiaohongshu account to be suspended, per NBC News.