Mbappe dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’

Kylian Mbappe has been dropped by several Chinese brands following public remarks regarding a viral internet meme. The controversy stems from a video in which the footballer identified a meme featuring his face edited onto the body of a Chinese leader as the funniest he had seen. The brands cited the comments as offensive to national sentiments, leading to the termination of their partnerships with the athlete.

In China, the portrayal of Mao Zedong, the nation’s founding leader, is subject to strict social taboos. Jokes or irreverent depictions concerning the former leader are widely considered disrespectful, providing the cultural context for the swift backlash against Mbappe’s comments.