John Wick star Donnie Yen’s invite to present at the Oscars sparks backlash

John Wick star Donnie Yen’s invitation to appear at the 2023 Oscars has sparked backlash over his support for the Chinese Communist Party and its brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

A Change.org petition calling for Yen, who was recently cast opposite Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 4, to be removed from the upcoming Academy Awards for his outspoken loyalty to controversial Chinese President Xi Jinping. He has garnered more than 20,000 signatures.

The petition was created by “a group of people from Hong Kong,” according to a letter to the Oscars Committee, who said Yen’s comments in support of China’s communist government “violate the law.”he the spirit of free speech, but also deny the rights of the Hong Kong people to fight for their freedom and democracy.

Yen, known for his roles in Star Wars: Rogue One and Mulan, landed in hot water after speaking out against protesters protesting against the Chinese government in Hong Kong in 2019. In a recent GQ article, he doubled down on his position, saying “It wasn’t a protest, okay, it was a riot.”

The actor was raised in Hong Kong for part of his childhood, and in 2020 drew backlash from many after making a Facebook post fondly commemorating the region’s anniversary as part of China, and recalling playing the piano in front of the president. Xi at the celebration concert. the event.

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Yen has expressed her support for him over the years.

The petition’s creators described Yen as “an actor who supports the Chinese Communist Party’s violation of human rights” and said the Oscars would approve his stance if he were allowed to speak.

“As a globally recognized film award, the Oscars should represent respect for human rights and moral values, rather than support for actions that violate them.”

“Donnie Yen is a supporter of the Chinese communist regime and has made various comments in support of Chinese government policies, including supporting the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and accusing Hong Kong protesters of being rioters.” the petition said.

“These comments not only violate the spirit of free speech, but also deny the rights of the Hong Kong people to fight for their freedom and democracy.”

The letter said that selecting Yen to speak at the awards showed ‘contempt’ for Hong Kong and also undermined its people in the global perspective.

“If the Oscar Committee continues to invite such a person as a guest presenter, it will damage the image and reputation of the film industry and cause serious harm to human rights and moral values.”

“We demand that the Oscar Committee reconsider this decision and cancel Donnie Yen’s invitation to host the Oscars,” he concluded. “Let’s work together to uphold human rights and moral values, and make the Oscars a truly respectful award.”

Yen recalls meeting President Xi during a Hong Kong celebration as part of China

Demonstrators protesting against oppressive laws imposed on Hong Kong by China in 2019

Donnie Yen is known for appearing in Mulan (above) and Star Wars: Rogue One

In the GQ article published last month, Yen fired the 2019 protesters.

“I’m not going to be here talking about how to change the way people feel about it,” he said. ‘But my own experience, like, I was there, I have a lot of friends who were there. I don’t want to get political. Many people may not be happy with what I say, but I speak from my own experience.

During the protests, protesters poured into the streets to march against a series of oppressive laws enacted by the Hong Kong and Chinese governments.

The protests were violently suppressed by China and led to the arrest of thousands.

Amid the protests, Yen appealed to Ire for making an effusive post on the anniversary of Hong Kong’s joining China, and recalled playing the piano at a commemorative concert where President Xi was in the audience.

“Today is the day of celebrating Hong Kong’s return to the Chinese motherland for 23 years,” he wrote. “Remembering such a memorable night in 2017 when I had the privilege of performing Mastro Lang Lang piano for President Xi and his wife along with several hundred guests who came to see the show and celebrated the night!”

Yen included a photo of him meeting Xi on stage after the performance.