Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke

What the report says

Several Chinese companies have cut ties with French footballer Kylian Mbappé after a backlash in China over comments he allegedly made on a French talk show, according to BBC World News. The dispute centers on a clip circulating online in which Mbappé appears to refer to a meme showing his face on an image resembling a Chinese dictator. The original program was no longer available on the show’s YouTube channel, and the comments have not been independently verified in the BBC’s report.

The brands named in the report include dairy giant Mengniu and drinks company Dongpeng, both of which said they oppose remarks that hurt Chinese feelings or offend national sentiment. The BBC said the companies did not explicitly spell out the reason for ending their partnerships, but their statements came amid growing criticism on Chinese social media. Mbappé’s commercial profile in China is significant, which has amplified the reaction.

The controversy has also drawn a response from China’s foreign ministry. Spokesperson Lin Jian said words and actions that harm the feelings of the Chinese people would meet opposition. Chinese football forum Dongqiudi first highlighted the issue, calling the remarks inappropriate. The episode adds to a broader debate over how public figures use political memes and the sensitivity of references to Mao Zedong, who remains a highly symbolic figure in China.