Chinese Brands Cut Ties With Mbappé After Mao Joke Backlash
Major Chinese sponsors have dropped Kylian Mbappé following a reported joke linking his image to a Chinese dictator.
Several prominent Chinese brands have severed endorsement deals with French football star Kylian Mbappé after a joke attributed to him sparked significant backlash in China, according to BBC News. The fallout reflects how quickly sponsor relationships can unravel when public figures become entangled in politically sensitive controversies in the Chinese market.
Mbappé allegedly described his "favourite meme" as one in which his face is superimposed on that of a Chinese dictator — a remark that circulated widely and drew sharp condemnation from Chinese consumers and nationalist commentators online. The specific dictator referenced in the reported joke was not identified in the source material, though the phrase "Chinese dictator" carries obvious political weight given the sensitivities surrounding historical leadership in China.
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The backlash illustrates the particular vulnerability of global athletes and celebrities who depend on Chinese commercial partnerships. Brands operating in China face intense domestic pressure to respond swiftly when a partner figure is perceived to have insulted Chinese history or political figures, and dropping an endorser is often the fastest way to contain reputational damage in that market.
Mbappé, one of the world's highest-profile footballers, has built a substantial commercial portfolio beyond his athletic career. Losing Chinese brand deals represents both a financial setback and a reputational complication in a region that has become increasingly important to global sports marketing. No public statement from Mbappé or his representatives addressing the reported remarks was included in the available reporting.
Continue reading at BBC News.
