Real Madrid have issued an official apology to the Chinese people as the row over Kylian Mbappe’s ill-judged remarks regarding Mao Zedong shows no sign of abating.
Mbappe said sorry on Tuesday after suggesting he found a meme that superimposed his face on to “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator” funny. The meme in question featured Mao, the country’s founding leader who died in 1976. Mao’s policies are widely blamed for mass starvation and millions of deaths but it is still taboo in China to mock a historical figure of his prominence.
There have been reports Chinese state television have suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches in protest and Real Madrid moved on Wednesday to offer their apologies.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé.
“Our club holds deep respect for China, its history, its culture, and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid.
“The club joins the public apology expressed by Kylian Mbappé, in which the player himself has conveyed his regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people.
“Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures, and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that unite it with China and its citizens.”
Kylian Mbappe: Full apology to people in China
Mbappe, who made the remarks on YouTube show The Bridge hosted by Blancos team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, showed remorse for his words on Tuesday.
“During a recent interview, I reacted to an image featuring myself,” said Mbappe. “My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. That was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history and I am sincerely sorry.”
What is Kylian Mbappe alleged to have said about China?
In unverified clips online, Mbappe does not name Mao but says he uses the meme “all the time” with friends, adding that it “makes me laugh the most… there’s a video of a guy, I think it’s a Chinese dictator…”
Chinese football forum Dongqiudi reportedly highlighted the interview, calling it “inappropriate” and liable to “hurt the feelings of Chinese people”.
Mao is an icon of the Communist Party in China, where the internet and digital content are subject to strict state control and the former leader is one of the most closely regulated topics.
The original video is not on The Bridge’s YouTube channel and it is unclear when the episode first aired. Mbappe spoke in September about memes depicting him as a dictator, which is his apparent nickname in the Madrid dressing room. “Part of it is funny because you get the sense that, for some people, it’s all in good fun,” he told L’Equipe.
“There’s also a less funny part because we know the damage these kinds of people have caused throughout history.
“To be compared to people who murder others, or who have made millions and millions of people unhappy… I don’t think I’ve ever done anything like that in my life.
“So there’s a mix of things. On the one hand, I know it’s done in a light-hearted way and doesn’t go that far, but it sometimes shows a lack of political and human awareness in people.”
Kylian Mbappe: Full La Liga statement
La Liga said it “deeply regrets the offence caused” to Chinese fans. “These comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent La Liga,” it added.
“To the extent of our institutional responsibility, we apologize on behalf of La Liga and all its clubs.
“Spanish football upholds respect, coexistence, and unity among people of all cultures. We convey our respect to China, its institutions and its people and we deeply value the support of the millions of fans who follow us each week.
“We reaffirm our commitment to a relationship built over years. We are working with our partners and institutional interlocutors in China to address this situation.
“Likewise, in collaboration with the clubs and players, we will implement a protocol for awareness and communication that promotes respect for different cultures and helps prevent similar situations.”
Kylian Mbappe: What has the reaction been in China?
On Tuesday morning, four topics related to Mbappe remained among the top 10 trending searches on China’s social media platform, Weibo, Reuters reported.
The report said some internet critics had called for China to blacklist Mbappe and “reduce his commercial value to zero”, receiving hundreds of likes in response.
Reuters cited a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry as saying 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.”
Confirmed Chinese brands to have dropped Mbappe
The country’s largest dairy producer, Mengniu, is immediately ceasing work with Mbappe, saying it “firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people”.
The Shanghai Milkground Food Tech and Eastroc Beverage have followed suit, while drinks giant Dongpeng reportedly said the company “firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that offends national sentiments.”
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