French football star Kylian Mbappé has apologised after comments about a meme depicting him as Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked a backlash in China.
In a video clip, Mbappé was asked about his favourite meme featuring him. He said it was “a video someone made of a guy ... I think he was a Chinese dictator”, before an altered image appeared showing his face on Mao’s body.
The remark spread across Chinese social media and prompted at least three Chinese companies to end their brand partnerships with the footballer. China’s Foreign Ministry has also responded to the incident.
Reactions among residents in Beijing were mixed. Some said they were not familiar with what Mbappé had said, while others argued that he should issue another apology.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV also removed a Real Madrid La Liga match from its Sunday broadcast schedule after the controversy.
Sources: Euronews English.