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Mbappe apologises for Mao Zedong comment after Chinese sponsors drop him

Today 11:30 Key points summarised by AI

Kylian Mbappe issued an apology after a viral video showed him joking about a 'Chinese dictator' in reference to Mao Zedong, sparking widespread offense in China.
Major Chinese sponsors, including beverage giant Dongpeng and dairy producers Mengniu and Milkground, swiftly terminated their endorsement deals with the football star.
The controversy escalated as China Media Group (CMG) suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches and demanded an apology from Real Madrid, despite La Liga's own apology for Mbappe's comments.
The incident underscores the strict cultural taboos surrounding Mao Zedong in China and the significant repercussions for public figures making insensitive remarks.

Today 08:52 Key points summarised by AI

Neither opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc secured a majority in Israel's recent election, despite the highest voter turnout since 1999.
Eisenkot, a political novice, vowed to swiftly form a new government, stating voters rejected Netanyahu's divisive rule and warning against using national security for political gain.
Arab Israeli parties made significant gains, with their increased turnout potentially making them crucial 'kingmakers' in forming a coalition, despite Eisenkot's reluctance to govern with them.
Netanyahu, facing calls to resign and ongoing corruption charges, has not conceded, leaving the path to government formation uncertain amidst a deeply divided political landscape.