China's state broadcaster CCTV did not air a Real Madrid match on Sunday, continuing a suspension of La Liga broadcasts after star striker Kylian Mbappé made remarks deemed offensive about Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The blackout followed an apology from Mbappé for his "ill-judged" comments, which he said he understood had "hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world."
China Media Group, CCTV's parent organization, had previously stated it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish football matches after the controversy erupted. Mbappé had drawn significant backlash after saying a meme featuring his face superimposed on a "Chinese dictator" resembling Mao was the one that "makes [him] laugh the most."
Real Madrid and La Liga also issued apologies, and China's foreign ministry indicated it took Mbappé's apology seriously. China Media Group acknowledged the apologies but has not specified how long the broadcast suspension will last. Mbappé reportedly made the remark on the French talk show "The Bridge."
Mao is a revered figure in China, despite his role in historical events such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which led to widespread famine and political purges. Mbappé's comment was seen as particularly insensitive given Mao's historical significance in the country.
This incident is not the first time Beijing has suspended sports broadcasts over political sensitivities. In October 2019, the NBA faced a year-long suspension of its games in China after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for Hong Kong protesters. Morey later issued a statement expressing regret, stating that offending or misunderstanding Chinese fans and sponsors was not his intention.
Real Madrid went on to win their match against Racing Santander 3-0 on Sunday, with goals from Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Yan Diomande.