French football star Kylian Mbappé issued a sincere apology for an "ill-judged" comment that sparked controversy on Chinese social media, leading to brand cancellations and the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in China. The incident highlighted the complexities of navigating international figures within China's tightly controlled internet landscape and the sensitive nature of historical figures like Mao Zedong.
The Remark and the Backlash
The controversy began when a clip circulated online showing Mbappé joking about a meme that superimposed his face onto an image resembling Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China. This comparison was deeply offensive to many in China, where Mao is a revered figure. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that "words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with joint opposition from all sectors of Chinese society."
Despite the widespread anger, many Chinese internet users were reportedly unaware of the exact nature of Mbappé's comment due to the country's sophisticated censorship system. The accusation of "hurting the feelings of the Chinese people" alone was sufficient to ignite a significant backlash, amplified by social media algorithms and a climate where dissent is often suppressed.
Mbappé, along with his club Real Madrid and the Spanish league La Liga, subsequently issued apologies. China is a significant market for football, and such incidents can have considerable economic implications. While Beijing acknowledged the apology, China Media Group, the state broadcaster, had not announced whether La Liga broadcasts would resume.
Online Reactions and Censorship
Online reactions within China were swift, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the apology. Comments on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, ranged from "an apology is the least he should do, but I don't forgive him" to calls for a ban on the footballer. Users emphasized Mao's historical importance, with one comment stating, "He is the most important figure in our history. Do you think a simple apology can make everything okay?"
Ironically, many on Chinese social media struggled to articulate precisely what Mbappé had said, resorting to veiled references such as "the person on the 100 yuan note" or "the teacher," a title Mao once used for himself. Screenshots of the meme and interview were shared, but with key elements like the word "dictator" and Mbappé's face blurred out. Neither the official apologies nor the foreign ministry statement explicitly mentioned Mao by name.
Mao Zedong, who led the Communist Party to power and founded the People's Republic of China in 1949, remains a complex and largely revered figure within China, despite the devastating impact of policies like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Official Chinese narratives emphasize his achievements, with the Communist Party's verdict being that his contributions outweigh his mistakes.
Divergent Views Beyond China
Outside of China's censored internet, reactions differed significantly. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads, which are inaccessible in China, users from the diaspora and critics of the Chinese Communist Party expressed solidarity with Mbappé. Many argued that he was not wrong to call a dictator a dictator and that the CCP, not the footballer, should be the one apologizing for perceived misdeeds.
This divergence in reaction underscores the differing historical interpretations of Mao Zedong's legacy. While revered in mainland China, his rule is viewed more critically internationally, particularly concerning the human cost of his policies. The controversy also spawned new memes outside China, some placing Mbappé's face on images of Mao or even current Chinese leader Xi Jinping, further fueling discussions about freedom of expression and historical memory.