Kylian Mbappé Apologizes for "Chinese Dictator" Remark, Posts Statement in Three Languages
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has apologized for his 'Chinese dictator' remark, which sparked a strong backlash in China. The France captain posted the statement on X on Tuesday, October 27, in French, Chinese and English. In an interview with the French show The Bridge, he had said the meme that made him laugh the most was one that placed his face onto the image of a man he thought was 'a Chinese dictator.' After the clip spread on social media on Monday, October 26, three Chinese sponsors ended their partnerships with him on Tuesday. The apology came after La Liga president Javier Tebas apologized to the Chinese people.
In his apology, Kylian Mbappé acknowledged that his words hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world
The statement, signed by Kylian Mbappé, was published with the same wording in all three languages. He wrote that he had reacted to an image of himself during a recent interview.
'My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,' the statement reads. He apologized to everyone his words had upset, said it was never his intention to offend and added: 'I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.'
In the statement, Kylian Mbappé did not say what the image was and did not mention Mao Zedong by name. Media reports described the meme as one that placed his face onto a portrait of Mao Zedong.
Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground cut ties, while La Liga apologized to the Chinese people and announced an awareness protocol
The Chinese sponsors announced their decisions one after another on Tuesday, October 27. Beverage company Dongpeng, dairy group Mengniu and cheese maker Milkground ended their partnerships with Kylian Mbappé, saying they have zero tolerance for words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. Dongpeng had made him the face of its Bushuaila electrolyte drink in April. According to a report by The Paper citing sources close to the state broadcaster, Chinese state television CCTV also stopped airing La Liga and matches featuring Kylian Mbappé. It is not known how long the suspension will last. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also said the remarks hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.
In a statement from its official account, La Liga said the remarks were Kylian Mbappé's personal opinion and did not represent the league, and apologized on behalf of the league and all of its clubs. Javier Tebas also apologized to the Chinese people on X, writing that the league could not allow one individual's behavior to damage its long-standing relationship with China, more than 20 clubs and millions of Chinese fans. The league said it would launch an awareness and communication protocol with clubs and players to promote respect for different cultures, but gave no details or timeline. Real Madrid has not commented on the matter.
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