Outrage after Hong Kong cosplayers dress as Hitler, Nazi soldiers at anime event
- Online video shows Channel C host joining cosplayers in making Nazi salute at Ani-com and Games Hong Kong 2024 last Friday
A group of cosplayers dressed as Adolf Hitler and German soldiers were seen making the Nazi salute alongside a live-streaming host at Hong Kong’s biggest annual anime and games event, sparking an outcry over their lack of sensitivity.
The online video shows the host interviewing people attending Ani-com and Games Hong Kong 2024 last Friday, including some dressed as German soldiers and another as Hitler, with the group then making the Nazi salute.
Hong Kong online platform Channel C took down the footage and issued an apology on the same day, but social media users slammed the host, the cosplayers and the event organiser for their lack of sensitivity.
“World War II resulted in the deaths of 70 million people. This hand gesture represents crimes against humanity,” one internet user said.
“But the biggest issue is why Hong Kong’s Ani-com and Games allows people to cosplay as Nazi German soldiers.”
Another user criticised the cosplayers for failing to see how glamorising the regime behind the Holocaust was problematic.