France striker Kylian Mbappe apologized after apparently referring to China's founding leader Mao Zedong as a dictator in a video that circulated online.

The controversy prompted three major Chinese companies to sever sponsorship ties with the Real Madrid forward, while Chinese state television suspended broadcasts of Spain's La Liga.

What did Mbappe say about Mao?
The controversy began when a video circulated showing Mbappe discussing his favorite internet meme featuring himself.

In the clip, apparently filmed ahead of an appearance on the French online talk show The Bridge, Mbappe referred to an image depicting his face superimposed on the body of "some guy ... I think he's a Chinese dictator."

The image appeared to depict Mao Zedong, who founded the People's Republic of China in 1949 and ruled until his death in 1976. Jokes about country's former leader and descriptions of him as a dictator remain taboo.

Mbappe has previously been depicted as authoritarian leaders in online memes mocking his perceived influence over teammates and suggestions that he has the power to influence club decisions.

Mbappe has been nicknamed "the dictator" in the European press.

How did Mbappe apologize?
"My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," Mbappe said in a statement.

"I apologize to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry."

Chinese sponsors cut ties with Mbappe
Chinese beverage company Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and cheesemaker Milkground announced they were ending their partnerships with the French international.

In similarly worded statements, each said that they oppose "any words and actions that hurt national sentiment."

China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, also suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches and removed advertisements featuring Mbappe.

La Liga apologized for the controversy, saying Mbappe's comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the Spanish league.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV subsequently said it would consider Mbappe's apology but would also judge his future actions.

In response to a question about the controversy, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that "words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with joint opposition from all sectors of Chinese society."

Why is Mao such a sensitive subject in China?
Mao remains a revered figure in China, where public criticism of the former Communist leader is politically sensitive.

His rule was also marked by disastrous political campaigns, including the Great Leap Forward, which contributed to a famine that killed tens of millions of people.

The ruling Communist Party acknowledges some of his mistakes but maintains that his achievements outweighed them, making criticism of his legacy politically sensitive.