Real Madrid apologizes as Chinese brands drop Mbappé

Real Madrid apologized to Chinese people on Wednesday, October 28, after forward Kylian Mbappé’s remarks about a meme depicting Mao Zedong prompted three Chinese companies to end their commercial agreements with him and China Media Group to suspend broadcasts involving the player. Mbappé had apologized a day earlier, calling his comment ill-judged and saying he understood it had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world. He expressed respect for Chinese people and their history. In its statement, Real Madrid also apologized for discomfort caused by its player’s words and affirmed its respect for China, its history, culture and citizens. The controversy followed a video in which Mbappé discussed a meme featuring his face edited onto Mao. Describing it, he said he thought it showed a Chinese dictator. Mao, who led the People’s Republic of China from its founding in 1949 until his death in 1976, remains a sensitive subject in the country. Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground announced they were ending cooperation with Mbappé, saying they opposed words or actions that hurt national sentiment. China Media Group said it had suspended broadcasts involving him and...