AssetID: 56106361
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Mbappé Apologises For 'Ill-Judged' Mao Remark After China Backlash
Caption: Mbappé Apologises For 'Ill-Judged' Mao Remark After China Backlash. Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé has apologised for "ill-judged" comments about late Chinese leader Mao Zedong following widespread criticism in China. Mbappé reportedly laughed at a meme showing his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao and referred to the figure as "a Chinese dictator”. The footballer said he understood his comments had hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide, adding: "I apologise to everyone my words have upset”. Several Chinese brands subsequently cut ties with Mbappé, saying they opposed actions that offended national sentiment. Spain’s La Liga also apologised, saying it "deeply regrets" the offence caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's comments. Chinese social media users called for boycotts of Mbappé and Real Madrid, with the controversy becoming one of the biggest trending topics on Weibo. Chinese media reported that state broadcaster CCTV would stop featuring Mbappé-related content and broadcasting La Liga matches. China’s foreign ministry said remarks that hurt the feelings of Chinese people would "naturally be met with opposition" across Chinese society. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Sports,Kylian Mbappé,Mao Zedong,China,Real Madrid,La Liga,Weibo,CCTV,Chinese brands,football,Chinese social media,Spanish football,brand endorsements,controversy,apology,Chinese market,sports sponsorship
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