China Defends Brand Decisions to Cut Kylian Mbappé Endorsements After Mao Zedong Meme Comment
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended local brands that ended sponsorship deals with Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé.
In Brief
- •Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended local brands that ended sponsorship deals with Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé.
- •The controversy stems from Mbappé mentioning a meme depicting his face edited onto founding Chinese leader Mao Zedong during a French television show.
- •Chinese companies Mengniu, Dongpeng, and Milkground terminated their endorsement agreements with the footballer.
- •Mbappé issued a public apology, describing his remarks as ill-judged and reiterating his deep respect for the Chinese people.
Why It Matters
The swift corporate response highlights the commercial risks international sports figures and celebrities face when making remarks touching on political figures in key overseas markets. It demonstrates how rapidly brand endorsements in China can be severed following public backlash over sensitive cultural or historical topics.
Key Details
- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
- Guo Jiakun
- Brands Ending Sponsorships
- Mengniu, Dongpeng, Milkground
- Historical Leader Referenced
- Mao Zedong
- Player Club
- Real Madrid
Context & Background
Mao Zedong was the founding leader of the People's Republic of China, and political figures in China remain subject to strict cultural respect and media regulation, making depictions or references highly sensitive.
Original Reporting & Sources
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