Chinese firms end Mbappé sponsorships over remarks about Mao
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Kylian Mbappé has lost sponsorship deals with two major Chinese companies after a video circulated in which he appeared to refer to Mao Zedong as a dictator. The companies said his comments offended Chinese people; jokes about Mao, China’s founding leader, are considered taboo.
Dongpeng Beverage and dairy producer Mengniu announced they were ending cooperation with the France captain immediately. The video’s authenticity had not been verified, and it appeared to refer to an online meme placing Mbappé’s face on Mao’s image. Mbappé had previously said that comparisons with historical figures responsible for mass suffering were not funny.
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In short
- Two Chinese brands ended their deals with Mbappé.
- The video appeared to refer to a Mao meme.
- Its authenticity had not been verified.
How this story developed
- 23 minutes ago Mbappé had previously said dictator comparisons could be funny, but not when they involved people responsible for mass suffering.
- 29 minutes ago Kylian Mbappé lost sponsorship deals with Chinese firms Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu after a video appeared to show him calling Mao Zedong a dictator, though the clip’s authenticity was unverified.
Where outlets differ
Left-leaning outlets 1
Only here: firms, sponsorships, remarks
Centre outlets 1
Only here: major, brands, drop, backlash, grows
Every side used: chinese, mbappé
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The case for
The companies can argue that public endorsements depend on trust and a good fit with customers’ values, and that remarks perceived as mocking a figure central to Chinese history risk alienating those customers. Ending the partnerships promptly may be seen as a legitimate commercial response to that reaction and a way to uphold their stated standards.
The case against
Critics can argue that terminating deals over a video whose authenticity has not been independently verified is a disproportionate response, particularly when the remarks may have concerned an online meme rather than a considered political statement. They may also see the decision as punishing a celebrity for perceived offence and reinforcing pressure to avoid discussion of politically sensitive history.
Explained simply
Kylian Mbappé is a French footballer and captain of France’s national team. Like many high-profile athletes, he has commercial partnerships with companies that use his name and image to promote their products.
Mao Zedong led China from the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949 until his death in 1976. His rule is a highly sensitive subject in China, and public jokes or criticism about him can cause offence. Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu are large Chinese drinks and dairy companies, respectively; their sponsorship decisions show how a public figure’s comments can affect business ties in China.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Kylian Mbappé dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’”.