Brands end relationships
Chinese drinks brands Dongpeng and Mengniu have cut ties with Kylian Mbappé amid criticism of a recorded remark about Mao Zedong. The Guardian reported that footage appeared to show the France international describing Mao as a dictator. BBC Sport said the comment was made during an interview about memes.
Dongpeng announced the immediate termination of its work with Mbappé, saying it had zero tolerance for behaviour that offended national sentiment. Mengniu also ended its relationship with the player, according to the reports.
Apology and Mao’s legacy
Mbappé apologised and called his comment ill-judged. Mao, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China, died in 1976. The Guardian reported that jokes about Mao are considered disrespectful in China and remain socially taboo.