Kylian Mbappé Loses Chinese Sponsors Following Controversial Remarks Regarding Mao Zedong
French football star Kylian Mbappé is facing significant commercial and media backlash in China after a video surfaced in which he appeared to refer to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a 'dictator.' The controversy has led to the immediate termination of sponsorship deals with major Chinese brands, including Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu, and Milkground. Additionally, luxury brands Dior and On have reportedly removed Chinese promotional content featuring the player. China's state broadcaster, CCTV, suspended La Liga coverage and advertisements featuring Mbappé, while his social media presence on platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu has been muted. Although Mbappé issued a formal apology in multiple languages expressing respect for Chinese history, Chinese authorities and state media have signaled that the impact of his remarks will be judged by future actions. The incident highlights the significant geopolitical and cultural risks international athletes face when operating within the Chinese market.
Topics: Brand Reputation Celebrity Endorsements Consumer Backlash Geopolitical Risk
Part of the story Kylian Mbappé Loses Chinese Sponsors Following Controversial Remarks Regarding Mao Zedong (2 articles)