Activists are calling on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to revoke the invitation of Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen to be a presenter at this month’s 2023 Academy Awards ceremony because of his ties to the Chinese communist regime and his stance against the Hong Kong democracy movement.
A Change.org petition for Yen’s removal from the Oscars’ presenter list amassed tens of thousands of signatures within days.
The petition states that Yen is “a supporter of the Chinese Communist regime and has made several remarks in support of the Chinese government’s policies, including supporting the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and accusing Hong Kong protesters of being rioters.” Tang Weixiong, a Hong Kong resident who has immigrated to Taiwan, started the petition.
“These remarks not only violate the spirit of freedom of speech but also deny the rights of the people of Hong Kong to fight for their freedom and democracy,” the petition reads.
As of March 8, the number of signatures exceeded 75,000.
Charles Lam, a spokesperson of the Hong Kong Forum in Los Angeles, said the Oscars should invite other stars instead of Yen.
“There are many famous Asian American actors, and there is no need to have Donnie Yen. It is better to find Asian American actors, which gives them more spotlight in the United States.”
Wang Dan, a former student leader of the 1989 democracy movement at Tiananmen Square, joined the mounting opposition over Yen’s Oscars invitation, RFA reported.
“Donnie Yen’s remarks … represent a challenge to mainstream civilization and universal values,” Wang said.
“He … may be able to make a fortune in an autocratic country like China, but it would be extremely inappropriate for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to have him…
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