China Turns Mbappe’s Mao Meme Joke Into Political Controversy

French soccer star Kylian Mbappe lost several Chinese sponsorship deals on October 27th following a joke about an internet meme that depicted him as Mao Zedong. The remark, made while preparing for a talk show, led to criticism from Chinese state media and backlash. Mbappe subsequently issued an apology in multiple languages, calling his comments “ill-judged.”

• Kylian Mbappe lost Chinese sponsorship deals after joking about a Mao Zedong meme.
• The incident triggered criticism from Chinese state media and a response from Beijing.
• Mbappe referred to the person in the meme as a “Chinese dictator.”
• His comments led to commercial boycotts and restrictions on coverage in China.
• Mbappe issued an apology in French, Chinese, and English, calling his comments “ill-judged.”