Madrid, Oct 28 (EFE).- Real Madrid on Wednesday apologized to the Chinese people over controversial remarks by French forward Kylian Mbappé that triggered the suspension of LaLiga broadcasts in China, issuing an official statement after the country’s state broadcaster demanded an apology from the club.
The Spanish club said it “wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for the discomfort that the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé may have caused.”
Mbappé sparked the controversy when, asked in an interview about his favourite meme, he said the one he found funniest showed his face superimposed on that of a “Chinese dictator”.
He did not explicitly name Mao Zedong, who was depicted in the image circulating on social media.
“Our club has 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 statement added.
The club also endorsed the public apology previously issued by Mbappé, saying the forward had expressed regret over his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people.
Real Madrid concluded by reaffirming its commitment to “respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures” and expressing its desire to strengthen its ties with China and its people.
The apology comes a day after China’s state broadcaster, China Media Group (CMG), confirmed it had suspended LaLiga broadcasts, coverage of matches involving Mbappé and related advertising from Oct. 26.
The broadcaster had also rejected explanations attributed to Real Madrid by Spanish media, arguing that the player’s remarks went beyond the limits of freedom of expression.
A spokesperson for CMG’s Sports and Youth Center said on Wednesday that, “in response to reports published by Spanish media”, the broadcaster did not accept the position attributed to the club that Mbappé had “never intended to offend” and was entitled to express his personal opinions.
Chinese media outlets, including Guancha and sports portals Dongqiudi and Hupu, had echoed a report by Spanish digital outlet OKDIARIO citing club sources as saying the forward had not intended to cause offense.
CMG had insisted that unless Real Madrid offered a satisfactory apology, “there is nothing to discuss”, and called for public apologies and written letters from the club, LaLiga and Mbappé.
The controversy also prompted Chinese companies Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground to end their commercial agreements with the forward, while digital platforms in the country imposed restrictions on his content.
On Tuesday, LaLiga president Javier Tebas sent a letter to CMG condemning Mbappé’s conduct as “unacceptable” and apologizing for the offence caused.
Tebas also met Chinese ambassador to Spain Yao Jing on Tuesday in an effort to resolve the dispute. LaLiga maintains cooperation agreements with Chinese entities, including a strategic partnership with the country’s professional league that runs until 2029. EFE
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