Kylian Mbappe is facing significant commercial fallout in China after reports emerged that he referred to Mao Zedong as a dictator. In response to the controversy, multiple Chinese corporations have moved to terminate their endorsement deals with the football star. Among those cutting ties is the dairy giant Mengniu, which released a statement on Tuesday declaring that it has "zero tolerance" for actions that "hurt the feelings of the Chinese people."

While Sky News reports that at least three companies have dropped the athlete, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) specifically identifies Mengniu and the energy drink company Eastroc as part of the group severing ties. The companies frame the decision as a necessary reaction to public sentiment, emphasizing that the partnerships were terminated immediately. Neither report provides a direct transcript or the specific context in which Mbappe allegedly made the remark, though both outlets agree that the backlash is widespread and has resulted in immediate financial consequences for the player's brand portfolio in the region.