China Rejects Mbappé and Real Madrid’s Apologies Over Mao Zedong Remark, Says Comments ‘Harmed Our People’

China’s state broadcaster China Media Group (CMG) has rejected apologies from Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid over the footballer’s reported remarks describing former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a “dictator”. 

Mbappé had earlier called his comments “ill-judged” and apologised. CMG said the remarks crossed a line and hurt Chinese people. The controversy has also reportedly led to Chinese brands dropping Mbappé.