Real Madrid have issued an apology after Kylian Mbappé made remarks about a controversial internet meme and lost several brand deals in China.
“Real Madrid CF 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,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.
Advertisement
“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.”
Madrid’s statement comes amid reports that Chinese state broadcaster CCTV will no longer show matches from Spain’s La Liga.
The Marca newspaper said that CCTV confirmed it received letters from La Liga president Javier Tebas and other parties involved. However, the broadcasters demanded an apology from Madrid as a condition for further talks.
Advertisement
Several companies in China are ending their partnerships with Mbappé and he’s under heavy criticism after a video emerged online in which he was asked about his favourite meme featuring himself.
He then mentioned one where his face had been photoshopped on to that of “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator.”
There are internet memes featuring Mbappé’s face superimposed on an image of Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. As one of the founders of the People’s Republic, Mao is held in high esteem in China.
Content critical of China’s political leaders is generally heavily censored in the country.
Advertisement
Mbappé apologized for his comments on Tuesday: “I apologize to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”
