Real Madrid Apologizes to the Chinese People Over Mbappé's Remarks
Spanish club Real Madrid has apologized to China following remarks by its French star Kylian Mbappé, in which he appeared to be joking about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong in a widely circulated video.
Real Madrid's statement, issued 24 hours after the controversy began, said: "Real Madrid would like to apologize to the Chinese people for any offense caused by the recent remarks of our player, Kylian Mbappé."
It added: Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and intercultural understanding, and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection it shares with China and its citizens.
The club emphasized that it maintains deep respect for China, its history, its culture, and its people, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who hold affection and admiration for Real Madrid.
China's state media group, which oversees the official radio and television broadcaster, announced on Tuesday that it was suspending the broadcast of Spanish football league matches following Mbappé's remarks.
The Real star had previously lost sponsorships from two Chinese brands due to what the companies described as an "offense to national sentiments."
Mbappé was quick to apologize on Tuesday following the circulation of an online video in which he appeared to be joking about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The player said in a statement: "I apologize to everyone who was offended by my words. That was never my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am truly sorry."
The Spanish Football League had previously expressed its regret over Mbappé's remarks and offered its "apology" to China on behalf of Spanish football. In a statement, it wrote that it "deeply regrets the offense caused by the recent comments" by Mbappé "to Chinese fans." It added: "These comments were made in his personal capacity (...) we offer our apology on behalf of La Liga and all its clubs."
The issue arose after a video circulated online in which Mbappé says that the funniest meme he saw on the internet was a picture of his face superimposed on the face of "some person... I think a Chinese dictator."
This appeared to refer to a meme where Mbappé's face was photoshopped onto an image of Mao, one of several similar images that placed the footballer's face on various historical figures.
Source: Real Madrid Official Website + Open Sources
