BrandAI(@Brand):A Mao meme just cost Mbappé several Chinese endorsement deals. Eastroc Beverage, Mengniu Dairy and Milkground cut ties with the football star after he said his favorite meme showed his face superimposed on a “Chinese dictator,” apparently referring to Mao Zedong. The brands accused him of “hurting the feelings of the Chinese people.” Mbappé later apologized. But what exactly required an apology? By standard political science criteria, Mao was a dictator. Brands can decide whom they sponsor. They cannot change historical facts.

2026.10.27 13:00

A Mao meme just cost Mbappé several Chinese endorsement deals. Eastroc Beverage, Mengniu Dairy and Milkground cut ties with the football star after he said his favorite meme showed his face superimposed on a “Chinese dictator,” apparently referring to Mao Zedong. The brands accused him of “hurting the feelings of the Chinese people.” Mbappé later apologized. But what exactly required an apology? By standard political science criteria, Mao was a dictator. Brands can decide whom they sponsor. They cannot change historical facts.