In brief
Kylian Mbappé’s comment about a meme featuring a resemblance of Mao Zedong has ignited fierce backlash on Chinese social media. In response, several major Chinese brands have terminated endorsement deals with the star. Chinese government officials condemned the remarks, and state media has cut ties to his name. The incident highlights the political sensitivity of celebrity culture in a tightly monitored market.
Kylian Mbappé’s Mao Meme Sparks Brand Retaliation in China
During a French talk show, the Real Madrid star allegedly referred to a meme that superimposes his face onto an image resembling Mao Zedong, a reference that ignited intense outrage across Chinese social media platforms.
The backlash prompted a swift corporate response: several high‑profile Chinese brands—including chewing‑gum, dairy, and electrolyte beverage firms that previously endorsed Mbappé—announced the immediate termination of their contracts. Statements from these companies cited the “hurt feelings” of the Chinese public as the reason for the action.
China’s foreign ministry and state media also weighed in, condemning the comments as offensive. Official spokesperson Lin Jian said that “words and deeds that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with opposition from all sectors of Chinese society.” State broadcaster CCTV reportedly halted coverage of La Liga matches featuring Mbappé and removed his name from news apps.
The incident underscores the delicate balance global celebrities must maintain when their content reaches audiences subject to strict political scrutiny. In a market where historical figures are treated with reverence, even a seemingly light‑hearted meme can trigger significant commercial repercussions.
Mbappé himself, who has yet to comment on the controversy, is known in football circles as the “dictator” for his commanding influence on the pitch—an epithet that has fueled meme culture but also drawn criticism for its political undertones.
