Chinese brands cut ties with Mbappe over dictator remark
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 08:32 · Archive
Chinese companies have ended sponsorship agreements with French footballer Kylian Mbappe after he referred to Mao Zedong as a dictator.
At least three Chinese companies have ended sponsorship agreements with French footballer Kylian Mbappe following remarks he made about Mao Zedong. Beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese maker Milkground announced the decision on Tuesday in similarly worded statements opposing 'any words and actions that hurt national sentiment'.
The companies acted after a video clip circulated on social media showing Mbappe in an interview before appearing on French talk show The Bridge. When asked about his favourite meme of himself, Mbappe described it as 'a video someone made of a guy ... I think he was a Chinese dictator', with the video showing an altered image depicting his face on the body of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China.
Mbappe has featured in advertising campaigns across China for electrolyte drinks, milk and cheese products. Online fans have circulated memes depicting the Real Madrid star as Mao and other autocratic leaders, apparently as a joke about his dominance on the pitch. Social media platform RedNote also announced it would remove promotional materials from a content partnership with Mbappe that ended in 2024. The Associated Press was unable to reach Mbappe's representatives for comment.
How it is being reported
- Chinese brands cut Mbappe ties over 'dictator' remarkChinese companies appear to have given Kylian Mbappe a red card after the French football titan made comments referring to Communist leader Mao Zedong.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 08:07
- Chinese brands cut Mbappe ties over 'dictator' remarkChinese companies appear to have given Kylian Mbappe a red card after the French football titan made comments referring to Communist leader Mao Zedong.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 08:07
In this story: Kylian Mbappe · Mao Zedong · Dongpeng · Mengniu · Milkground · Real Madrid · China
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