China’s state broadcaster has pulled La Liga matches off the air after Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé made remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
China Media Group (CMG), which controls CCTV, said the suspension took effect on Monday and covers all La Liga games and any commercials featuring the French star.
The controversy started from a viral video where Mbappé said the funniest meme he had seen of himself was his face photoshopped onto “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator,” in apparent reference to a meme showing him as Mao.
The clip, whose authenticity could not be independently verified, triggered a backlash in China where Mao remains a sensitive figure.
Mbappé issued an apology on Tuesday in English, French and Chinese, saying his comment was “ill-judged” and that he understood it “hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.”
La Liga also apologised, saying the comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent the league.
CMG said apologies from Mbappé, La Liga and Real Madrid were an “absolute prerequisite” before any discussions on resuming broadcasts.
Major Chinese brands, including beverage giant Dongpeng, have already dropped Mbappé from their campaigns.
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