The Farewell releases in China as Awkwafina becomes the subject of online vitriol
Hateful remarks about the Crazy Rich Asians star are rife online with the release of her latest film that’s become a possible Oscar contender
The Farewell tells a touching story about a Chinese-American writer returning to China to spend time with her grandmother, who’s been diagnosed with lung cancer. But in China, some initial reactions to the film have been anything but heartwarming.
Netizens on China’s popular video streaming site Bilibili were found posting comments about Asian American actress Awkwafina that were far from civil. Some comments said she has a hunchback, crooked teeth and the voice of an old duck. Another called her an ancient jungle ape.
The hateful remarks about Awkwafina’s appearance were commonplace on Bilibili clips of her interviews.
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Some of the people sticking up for Awkwafina find it sad and ironic that so many Chinese netizens turned against an actress trying to elevate the status of Asians in Hollywood.
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