China’s state television suspends La Liga broadcasts after Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe’s “dictator” joke about former leader Mao Zedong sparked controversy.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has apologised to Chinese fans after major Chinese brands dropped him over a video in which he appeared to joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The controversy escalated on Tuesday after China Media Group (CMG), the state-owned media organisation that oversees public broadcaster CCTV, announced the suspension of broadcasts of Spain’s La Liga matches, despite apologies from Mbappe and the Spanish league.
The video, which has gone viral, shows Mbappe describing an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on that of a man he identified as a Chinese dictator. The remark appeared to refer to a meme depicting him as Mao, who led China until his death in 1976. The authenticity of the video could not immediately be verified.
In a statement issued in French, Chinese and English, the France captain acknowledged that his comments had caused offence.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologise to everyone my words have upset,” Mbappe said.
La Liga also apologised for the controversy, expressing regret over the reaction among Chinese supporters.
The Spanish league said Mbappe’s comments were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the organisation.
However, CMG said it had decided to suspend La Liga broadcasts on Monday, before the apologies were issued. It also demanded an apology from Real Madrid, describing such an apology as an “absolute prerequisite” for further discussions.
The controversy centres on Mao, whose legacy remains politically sensitive in China. Jokes about the former leader are considered taboo, while historians have linked policies implemented under his leadership to mass starvation and millions of deaths.
Among the companies that reportedly dropped Mbappe following the remarks was Dongpeng, a major Chinese beverage brand.
The fallout adds to the pressure on the football star as his comments trigger reactions from Chinese businesses and state media, despite his public apology.