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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

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Indie smash The Farewell has been winning acclaim left and right with Western critics, making it a possible contender in this year’s Oscar race. (Picture: A24)
Josh Ye
This article originally appeared on ABACUS

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.

The movie was initially released in the US in July, but it was only released in China this past weekend, when it faced off against Frozen 2. The comedy is an Oscar hopeful and has a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, but some in China are focusing on the appearance of the leading actress.

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.

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Many comments made about Awkwafina’s appearance are downright toxic. (Picture: Bilibili/Shendudianyingquan/Weibo)
Many comments made about Awkwafina’s appearance are downright toxic. (Picture: Bilibili/Shendudianyingquan/Weibo)

The hateful remarks about Awkwafina’s appearance were commonplace on Bilibili clips of her interviews.

Bilibili, China’s biggest anime site, covers the screen in user comments

“Even my ex-girlfriend was dozens of times better-looking than she is,” a Bilibili user wrote.
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