Kylian Mbappé dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’

Kylian Mbappé has been dropped by two major Chinese brands, Dongpeng and Mengniu, after a video circulated online in which he apparently joked about Mao Zedong. This decision reflects China's strict social norms, where jokes about the country's founding leader are considered highly disrespectful and a taboo. The move highlights the sensitivity surrounding China's history and the potential consequences of offending national sentiments in the country. This development may impact how international celebrities are perceived and treated in China, particularly in the context of brand endorsements.

Why it matters

Mbappé's comments on Mao Zedong have sparked outrage in China, leading to a loss of endorsement deals. This controversy may damage his reputation and reduce his marketability in China.

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