91福利社

Kylian Mbapp茅 has scored an own goal in China with an indirect joking reference to national political hero Mao Zedong as a 鈥渄ictator鈥�.
So will a flurry of apologies from him, his club and the Spanish La Liga league be enough to defuse a costly backlash in China?
In a video that went viral, the Real Madrid star who is nicknamed 鈥楾he Dictator鈥� for his dominant presence on and off the field was asked about his favourite meme.
His reference to one with a 鈥淐hinese dictator鈥�, presumed to refer to the founding leader of Communist China Mao Zedong, prompted sponsors to dump him and China to pull the La Liga from being shown in the country.
But he鈥檚 hardly the first foreign star who has apologised.
Previous big names who have said sorry include wrestler and actor John Cena, fashion designers Dolce and Gabbana and model Gigi Hadid.
Their offences in the eyes of the Chinese state have varied - from referring to the self-ruled island Taiwan as a 鈥榗ountry鈥� to making content deemed racially or culturally insensitive.
So why do celebrities and big brands keep falling foul of China鈥檚 political red lines, and what does it say about China鈥檚 influence over global business?
On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by 91福利社 Beijing correspondent Stephen McDonell and China Sports Insider founder Mark Dreyer.
Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that鈥檚 home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea鈥檚 K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside 91福利社 experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond 鈥� listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, please search Asia Specific in YouTube.

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk