When Mbappé joked about China’s late dictator Mao Zedong on social media, it had immediate consequences.
Both energy drink company Dongpeng and dairy producer Mengniu - the largest companies in their respective sectors - suspended their partnerships with the Real Madrid star. Mengniu said it had “zero tolerance for any kind of words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.”
Kylian Mbappé is now apologizing, writing on X that he realizes he has hurt many people.
“In a recent interview, I reacted to a picture of myself. My comment was ill-considered,” he writes.
“I apologize to anyone who has been offended by my words. That was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry,” Mbappé continued.
Spain’s La Liga has also apologized, saying it deeply regrets “the insult that Mbappé’s statements have caused to Chinese fans.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas also writes:
“I take on the responsibility of working with our clubs and players to strengthen awareness and respect for different cultures.”