French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé is the latest example.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Mbappé apologized Tuesday after a video circulated showing him discussing a meme that superimposed his face over an image of Mao Zedong, the former vicious leader of China.Mbappé referred to Mao as a "dictator," a nod to his own nickname on the soccer field.He's sorry for that."My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," Mbappé wrote.
"I apologize to everyone my words have upset.I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry."KYLIAN MBAPPE PREDICTABLY BENDS THE KNEE AFTER LOSING CHINESE SPONSORS FOR LAUGHING AT MEME OF DICTATOR MAOThe apology came after several Chinese companies ended their relationships with Mbappé.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV also suspended La Liga coverage, prompting the league to issue its own apology."La Liga deeply regrets the offense caused by Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments among Chinese fans.These comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent LALIGA.
To the extent of our institutional responsibility, we apologize on behalf of LALIGA and all its clubs," the league said.The resident walks past a giant a giant advertisement of Kylian Mbappé French football star of advertising endorsement for energy drink on July 7th, 2026 in Wuhan, China.(Photo by Wang HE/Getty Images) (Wang HE/Getty Images)Athletes around the world brand themselves as courageous spokespeople for freedom, except when the subject is China.There's no better example of this than American superstar LeBron James.In 2018, James said he "won’t be silent on social issues" because he is "more than a basketball player." That statement apparently did not apply ...