French football star Kylian Mbappe apologised on Tuesday (Oct 27) after he apparently referred to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a “dictator” while discussing an internet meme in an interview. His remarks sparked backlash in China, with several Chinese brands cutting ties with him. Broadcasts of matches featuring the Real Madrid player were also suspended. “I apologise to everyone my words have upset," he said in his apology posted on X.