China has reacted to Kylian Mbappé’s apology over his comments about former leader Mao Zedong, saying it takes the statement seriously.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday at a regular briefing in Beijing: “We take seriously the apology the individual concerned has made.”
The Real Madrid forward had sparked outrage in China after he referred to Mao as a “Chinese dictator” while speaking about internet memes on French podcast The Bridge. The clip, which showed his face photoshopped onto an image of Mao, has since been taken down.
Mbappé apologised on Tuesday in French, English and Chinese, saying: “My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.”
Despite the apology, fallout continues. Chinese beverage brand Dongpeng and dairy companies Mengniu and Milkground have all ended endorsement deals with the player.
China Media Group, which runs CCTV, has also suspended La Liga broadcasts, while Mbappé’s accounts on Chinese platforms Xiaohongshu and Weibo have been frozen.
Real Madrid and La Liga have also issued apologies, saying they deeply respect Chinese fans and culture.
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