Diplomacy
China Forces Real Madrid's Mbappé to Apologize Over Mao Meme
BBC · 3 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
AI SUMMARY
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé and his club issued apologies after a joke about a Mao Zedong meme sparked a massive backlash and broadcast suspensions in China.
- Kylian Mbappé faced a major controversy on Chinese social media after a clip emerged of him joking about a meme superimposing his face on Mao Zedong.
- Chinese brands cut ties with Mbappé and China Media Group suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches.
- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that actions hurting the feelings of the Chinese people will face joint opposition.
- China's strict internet censorship meant many citizens were unaware of the exact details of the comment.
- Mbappé, Real Madrid, and La Liga all issued apologies following the backlash.
- Beijing confirmed it was taking the footballer's apology seriously, while China Media Group has not yet announced if broadcasts will resume.
- Mao remains a revered figure in China despite his controversial rule that caused millions of deaths.
- Chinese diaspora groups and foreign social media users defended Mbappé and criticized Chinese internet censorship and the Chinese Communist Party.
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