Real Madrid apologizes over Mbappe's Mao remarks

Real Madrid has apologized over comments made by French forward Kylian Mbappe about Mao Zedong. In a statement from the club, it was emphasized that they hold deep respect for China and the Chinese people. The club also backed the apology message published by Mbappe.

The club's statement noted that Real Madrid has millions of fans in China. Real Madrid reaffirmed that it is committed to the values of respect, coexistence and intercultural understanding. It said it wants to continue strengthening its bonds of friendship and affection with China.

The incident took place during the filming of a television program in France that Mbappe was taking part in. When the host asked which of the jokes shared about him online he found funniest, Mbappe brought up a video in which his face had been added to an image of Mao Zedong using artificial intelligence. His description of the video as being about a Chinese dictator drew strong backlash.

Following the remarks, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV suspended broadcasts of La Liga and Real Madrid matches. Several Chinese companies also terminated their advertising contracts with Mbappe. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that any remarks or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people would be rejected by all sectors of China.