China Acknowledges Mbappé's Apology Over Mao Zedong Remarks
Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13
China says it has taken note of an apology from French soccer star Kylian Mbappé {em-BAH-pay} over comments about Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China.
China's Foreign Ministry said today that it takes the apology seriously, while state media warned that celebrities risk losing business if they cross political red lines.
Mbappé apologized yesterday after an online interview in which he appeared to refer to Mao as a dictator - which sparked a backlash in China.
Three Chinese companies have ended commercial partnerships with the Real Madrid forward, while state television has suspended broadcasts of Spanish league matches.
The incident was the latest in which China has used its market to compel foreign brands and individuals to apologize for perceived slights.
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