Kylian Mbappe, the PSG star, has initiated legal proceedings against Mohamed Henni, a kebab shop owner and social media personality, for unauthorized use of his name in a menu item. Henni, known for his influence in France, humorously described one of his kebabs as having ‘bakery bread, as round as Mbappe’s head’. This reference did not sit well with the 25-year-old footballer.
While other players like Dimitri Payet have been similarly featured on the menu, Mbappe has taken legal steps to protect his name. His attorney, Delphine Verheyden, has issued a formal notice to Henni, demanding the removal of Mbappe’s name from the kebab description within eight days to avoid further legal action.
Henni, taken aback by the lawsuit, expressed his disbelief and frustration over social media, questioning Mbappe’s priorities and highlighting the trivial nature of the matter. Despite this, the legal process is moving forward, with potential implications for Henni’s business should he fail to comply with the demands.
This legal dispute comes at a time when Mbappe is reportedly preparing for a significant career move to Real Madrid, and his team, PSG, is advancing in the Champions League. The situation underscores the complexities that can arise when public figures’ names are used for commercial purposes without consent.
An angry Henni hit out at the France international on social media. He asked: “Are you not ashamed?”
He added: “You have nothing else to do? Suing me for something so futile? It is incredible. I can’t believe it!”
Henni, who supports PSG’s rivals Marseille, also shared a picture of the letter, accompanied with the caption: “Mbappe is suing me.
“I didn’t think a player at this level had the time to think about me. He took time and money to attack me. I’m not hurting anyone, I do humour.”
Henni continued as he referenced Payet, who now plays for Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama.
“Payet is a player with values,” he said. “Mbappe has completely lost it.”
It’s an unwanted distraction for Mbappe, who is busy with PSG as they fight on three fronts this season.
They booked their spot in the next round of the Champions League last week following their victory over Real Sociedad.
PSG sit at the top of Ligue 1, 10 points clear of second-placed Brest.