Mbappe apologizes to Chinese fans over scandal
The Real Madrid star said his comments on the Mao Zedong meme were ill-considered, he sincerely regrets what happened and deeply respects the Chinese people
Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappe apologized to fans from China in connection with the scandal caused by his comments about the meme, which mentioned former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The footballer published in the social network X statement in French, Chinese and English.
During a recent interview, I reacted to my image. My comment was ill-considered, and I now realize that it hurt a lot of people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologize to anyone who was upset by my words. I had absolutely no such intention. I deeply respect the Chinese people and their history and sincerely regret what happened, the statement said.
The footballer said in a recent interview that the funniest meme he's seen is his face superimposed on an image of "some guy -- I think a Chinese dictator." After that, Mbappe lost several advertising contracts in China, and China Central Television (CCTV) suspended broadcasting of La Liga matches and games with the Frenchman. La Liga has already apologized for the Mbappe scandal to Chinese fans.
