Real Madrid and France superstar Kylian Mbappé has apologised after comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong triggered a backlash in China, prompting major Chinese brands to terminate sponsorship deals with him.
The controversy began after a video circulated online in which Mbappé appeared to joke about an internet meme showing his face superimposed on Mao Zedong, referring to the figure as a “Chinese dictator”.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologise to everyone my words have upset,” Mbappé said in a statement.
Chinese companies, including beverage giant Dongpeng and dairy producer Mengniu, announced they were ending their partnerships with the football star. (Newswire)
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