China Rejects Mbappe's Apology Over Chairman Mao Joke, Halts Broadcasts

China's state broadcaster China Media Group (CMG) has rejected an apology from footballer Kylian Mbappe for remarks he made about Chairman Mao Zedong, vowing to continue a blackout of Real Madrid matches featuring the player. The state-owned media arm stated that Mbappe's comments have "hurt the Chinese people" and crossed a line.

Mbappe is facing backlash after a video surfaced in which he described his favorite meme as one of his face photoshopped onto "some guy - I think he's a Chinese dictator," referencing the former Chinese Communist Party leader. In China, jokes or disrespectful references concerning Mao, the country's founding leader who died in 1976, are considered a social taboo. Millions died under his rule due to famine, labor camps, and executions.

CMG spokesperson stated that Mbappe's remarks "exceeded the scope of freedom of speech" and that the club "cannot shirk its responsibility." The broadcaster also rejected Real Madrid's explanation that Mbappe "never intended to offend" and asserted that "any word or action that hurts the feelings of the Chinese people will inevitably face the collective rejection of all corners of Chinese society."

Until an apology is issued by Real Madrid, CMG has suspended all La Liga broadcasts that involve the French player. Mbappe, who recently placed second in the Ballon d'Or rankings, has since apologized for the "ill-judged" joke, stating he has "deep respect for the Chinese people and their history" and that his comment was "absolutely not my intention."

La Liga president Javier Tebas also issued an apology, expressing regret for the discomfort and offense caused by Mbappe's statements. He emphasized La Liga's long-standing relationship of respect and cooperation with China and its fans, stating that an individual action should not damage this partnership.

In addition to the broadcast suspension, major Chinese brands Dongpeng, a drinks giant, and Mengniu, the country's largest dairy producer, have terminated their partnerships with Mbappe. Both companies issued statements opposing and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards behavior that offends national sentiments or hurts the feelings of the Chinese people.

Mbappe had been popular among Chinese fans, with millions of followers on social media, and was nicknamed 'Guigui,' the Chinese translation of 'Turtle,' due to his perceived resemblance to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. His endorsement deals with Dongpeng and Mengniu had made the Chinese market particularly lucrative for him.