Real Madrid have issued a formal apology to China after the country’s state broadcaster rejected the Spanish club’s initial defence of Kylian Mbappe over his controversial remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The dispute has already resulted in the suspension of La Liga broadcast in China. It has also cost Real Madrid’s French forward several lucrative sponsorship deals.
The former leader, who died in 1976, also oversaw the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, campaigns associated with widespread deaths and suffering.
“We believe that Mbappé’s outrageous remarks have harmed the Chinese people, crossed a line, and exceeded the scope of freedom of speech,” CMG said. Therefore, we do not accept Real Madrid’s explanation that Mbappé ”never intentionally offended and asserted that players have the right to express their personal opinions”, and we do not accept Real Madrid’s attitude. “Real Madrid wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé,” the club said. Referring to an edited image apparently depicting him as Mao Zedong, Mbappe said: “That makes me laugh the most, it’s the one where there’s a video of a guy, I think it’s a Chinese dictator.
China Media Group (CMG), which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, accused Mbappe of crossing the limits of free speech. They insisted that Real Madrid must take responsibility for their player’s conduct. The broadcaster also rejected Real’s initial explanation that the remarks were unintentional and reflected Mbappe’s right to express personal opinions. “Mbappé is a Real Madrid player, and the club bears significant responsibility. “Our club holds deep respect for China, its history, its culture, and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid. The remarks caused outrage in China, where Mao remains an important historical figure revered by the ruling Communist Party.
