Kylian Mbappé issued a public apology after a meme that likened his face to that of Mao Zedong sparked outrage in China, where references to the former leader remain a sensitive taboo. In response, China’s state broadcaster CCTV suspended the transmission of La Liga matches and related events that involved Mbappé, effectively removing his appearances from the network’s sports schedule.
The backlash quickly extended beyond the screen. At least three major Chinese companies, including dairy giant Mengniu and the brand Milkground, terminated their commercial partnerships with the French forward, pulling advertising that featured his likeness from domestic channels. La Liga, seeking to mitigate the fallout, released a formal expression of regret to Chinese fans and reiterated its commitment to respecting local cultural sensitivities.
While the suspension applies specifically to content involving Mbappé, the episode underscores the delicate balance international sports leagues must maintain in the lucrative Chinese market. Analysts note that any prolonged disruption could affect viewership figures and revenue streams, prompting La Liga to engage diplomatically with Chinese authorities and sponsors to restore a stable broadcasting relationship.
