Kylian Mbappe apologises to China after backlash over controversial comment: ‘I am sincerely sorry’

Kylian Mbappe apologises to China after backlash over controversial comment: ‘I am sincerely sorry’ Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has apologised to the Chinese people following the controversy surrounding his comments about a meme comparing him to Chinese dictator Mao Zedong. The Frenchman issued a statement on social media after Chinese television announced the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in response to the incident. Mbappe acknowledged that his remarks were inappropriate and admitted that they had hurt people in China and members of the Chinese community around the world. Mbappe admits his comments were inappropriate In his statement, Mbappe explained that the controversy arose from his reaction to an image featuring his face. The forward accepted that his response had caused offence, despite not intending to hurt anyone. “During a recent interview, I reacted to an image featuring myself. My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappe wrote. The Real Madrid star then issued a direct apology to those affected by his remarks, while expressing his respect for China and its history. “I apologise to everyone my words have upset. That was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry,” he added. La Liga controversy puts spotlight on Mbappe’s remarks The apology comes after Chinese television announced that it would suspend broadcasts of La Liga matches following the controversy. The incident began when Mbappe was asked during a recent interview about his favourite meme. He responded by referring to an image that superimposed his face onto that of Mao Zedong, explaining that he often shared it with his friends. Although the forward presented the meme as a source of humour, his comments triggered a backlash in China and created a wider issue for Spanish football. Not only did several Chinese firms, such as Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, announced that they were ending their partnership with the Real Madrid superstar, TV China announced the suspension of all La Liga broadcasts in the country. La Liga president Javier Tebas has already apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the organisation, acknowledged the offence caused and confirmed that the league is working with its partners in China to resolve the situation. La Liga has also announced plans for a cultural awareness and communication protocol involving clubs and players. Mbappe’s public apology represents a further attempt to address the fallout as the league seeks to repair its relationship with Chinese broadcasters and supporters.