French football star Kylian Mbappe, who plays for La Liga club Real Madrid,
has been boycotted by multiple mainland brands and platforms after making
comments alleged to be insulting to China.
The La Liga president stated he has met with the Chinese Ambassador to Spain
to seek a solution to the situation.La Liga president Javier Tebas said during his meeting with Chinese
Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing, they discussed the situation triggered by
French footballer Kylian Mbappe's remarks and sought ways to resolve the issue.
He also expressed hope other cooperative projects, including agreements
reached with China Media Group, can continue to succeed.
He added both sides pledged to continue working together to ensure
a single isolated incident does not harm the significant progress already
made or impact Chinese fans who follow La Liga, emphasising China remains
and will continue to be, a strategic partner for La Liga.
The uproar unfolded after Mbappe mentioned his favourite meme was one created
by netizens where his face was photoshopped onto a "Chinese dictator."
The image he referenced was widely identified as the late leader Mao Zedong.
The comment was immediately criticised for being insulting to China.
China Central Television suspended broadcasts featuring Mbappe,
including La Liga matches and advertisements, while several mainland brands terminated
their partnerships with him.
Mbappe issued an apology on Tuesday night in Chinese, English and French,
admitting his remarks were inappropriate and expressing respect
for Chinese people and history.
This as Real Madrid also issued an official statement on Wednesday, expressing
its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused
by their player.
China Media Group noted Mbappe's apology, saying it will "judge him by
his words and deeds" while urging him to learn from the lesson.
Meanwhile, a People's Daily commentary warned that those who are
famous have a greater responsibility, noting crossing basic boundaries of respect
will trigger severe backlash.
