Real Madrid join Mbappe in public apology to Chinese fans for dictator remark
Real Madrid have issued a public apology to Chinese fans following the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s remarks about a dictator meme, joining the France captain in expressing regret for his comments. The club said it respects China’s history, culture and people, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relations with the country.
In a statement, Real Madrid acknowledged that the player’s words may have caused discomfort among the Chinese public and apologized on behalf of the club.
“Real Madrid CF wishes to express its apology to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappe,” the club said.
“Our club deeply respects China, its history, culture and its citizens, as do the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid,” the statement added.
Real Madrid also supported Mbappe has already issued an apology, who expressed regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people.
“The club joins the public apology expressed by Kylian Mbappe, in which the player himself expressed regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people,” it said.
“Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures and expresses its wish to continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and affection that bind it to China and its citizens,” the statement read.
WHAT DID MBAPPE DO TO RISE UP THE CHINESE FANS?
The controversy started after a video went viral online in which Mbappe was asked about his favorite meme featuring himself. The Real Madrid striker described a video of a man he believed to be a Chinese dictator before an edited image emerged showing his face superimposed on the body of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China.
Although Mbappe did not specifically name Mao in the clip, it was widely understood that the image referred to the Chinese leader. The comments drew criticism on Chinese social media, where jokes about Mao remain a sensitive topic.
Mbappe subsequently apologized and acknowledged that his remarks had caused offence.
“My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he said in a statement.
“I apologize to everyone who was upset by my words. This was absolutely not my intention. I deeply respect the Chinese people and their history, and I am truly sorry.”
The fallout spread beyond social media. Three Chinese companies, beverage maker Eastroc Beverage, dairy giant Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, andannounced that they were ending their business partnership with the French captain. China’s state broadcaster China Media Group has also suspended broadcasts of LaLiga matches and advertisements featuring Mbappe, according to reports.
Real Madrid’s apology follows Mbappe and LaLiga’s public backlash as the dispute threatens to affect the club and the Spanish league’s relationship with Chinese supporters.
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