Overview
- A short clip from an appearance linked to the online show The Bridge circulated online showing Kylian Mbappé referring to an edited satirical image and saying, "I think it was a Chinese dictator," while a doctored picture that placed his face on Mao Zedong was shown.
- Three major Chinese partners — beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese brand Milkground — announced they had ended endorsement deals with Mbappé, citing a zero‑tolerance policy for actions that offend national feelings.
- Chinese state‑linked media reported that official TV broadcasts of La Liga matches were suspended and the Foreign Ministry speaker said words that hurt Chinese feelings would be rejected by all sectors of society.
- La Liga issued an apology saying Mbappé’s remarks were made in a personal capacity, and Mbappé delivered a formal apology in French, English and Mandarin on Tuesday, October 27, expressing regret and saying he did not intend to offend.
- The episode highlights how online memes and celebrity remarks can produce rapid commercial and reputational damage in China, and it raises questions about whether brands or broadcasters will restore ties or keep sanctions in place.