By Islam El-Sakka
China has responded to Kylian Mbappe's apology over comments about Mao Zedong, stating it "takes seriously" the French footballer's statement following a fierce backlash. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday: "We take seriously the apology that the person has made," though he did not elaborate on whether China will reverse its decision to stop broadcasting La Liga matches.
Apology issued after commercial fallout
Mbappe posted an apology on Tuesday in three languages on social media platform X after several Chinese brands severed ties with him. In the statement, he acknowledged his comment was "ill-judged" and said he now understands it hurt many people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. He expressed deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.
Brands cut partnerships, broadcasters suspend coverage
China's largest dairy producer Mengniu, cheesemaker Shanghai Milground Food Tech, and drinks giant Eastroc Beverage announced they would cease partnerships with Mbappe, citing "zero tolerance" for words offending the Chinese public. Multiple broadcasters also suspended coverage related to the Real Madrid forward and La Liga.
Original comments from behind-the-scenes footage
The controversy stemmed from a video clip of the French talk show 'The Bridge' posted on Monday, filmed during a podcast in March. Mbappe referred to Mao as "some guy - I think he's a Chinese dictator" while describing a meme where his face was photoshopped onto Mao's. The show later removed the clip and apologized to Chinese fans and Mbappe.
Historical sensitivity around Mao parodies
Parodies of Mao have previously triggered sanctions in China. In 2015, state broadcaster CCTV suspended presenter Bi Fujian after a leaked video showed him mocking Mao. In 2017, references to Winnie the Pooh were restricted after comparisons to President Xi Jinping. In August 2024, artist Gao Zhen was sentenced to three years in prison for satirical sculptures of Mao, including a 2009 work titled "Mao's Guilt."
