Several prominent Chinese brands have severed commercial ties with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé following a major online backlash regarding comments he made about a meme. The controversy erupted on Chinese social media platforms after unverified clips from a French talk show appearance began circulating widely online. During the broadcast, the French footballer discussed a popular internet meme involving a video of an individual he referred to as a Chinese dictator, featuring a superimposed image resembling Mao Zedong. Although the original video was removed from YouTube, screengrabs spread rapidly across Chinese digital networks.
- Major Chinese dairy producer Mengniu announced it has a zero-tolerance policy towards actions that hurt national sentiments.
- Beverage giant Dongpeng also terminated its association with the French international forward amid the ongoing controversy.
- Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reportedly suspended the broadcast of La Liga matches in response to the growing diplomatic fallout.
- China’s foreign ministry weighed in on the matter, stating that words and deeds hurting national feelings will face strong opposition.
Sponsors React to Public Outcry
The fallout intensified quickly as local football forum Dongqiudi drew attention to the remarks, stating that the comments were inappropriate and deeply offensive to the public. While sponsoring brands did not explicitly name the video in their termination statements, companies emphasized their firm opposition to any rhetoric harming national dignity. The backlash highlights the immense sensitivity surrounding historical figures in the country and underscores the fragile nature of lucrative commercial endorsements for global sports superstars operating within international markets.
Broader Context and Fallout
The controversy comes at a time when the French star maintains a massive commercial footprint across East Asia, where his popularity has historically driven substantial merchandise sales and marketing campaigns. Neither the player nor the production team behind the talk show have issued formal statements addressing the unfolding situation. Meanwhile, digital platforms in the region have begun scrubbing content related to the forward, signaling a swift and severe commercial freeze that could impact his global brand valuation significantly in the coming months.
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