What did Jackie Chan say?
September 6, 2010 Filed under Debate
Jackie Chan’s careless comments aroused hatred. Alex/CFP Photo
By Huang Daohen
Action star Jackie Chan’s name has translated into big bucks at the box office, but he’s not immune to controversy. Chan’s recent sympathetic message on Twitter to Filipinosout the hostage crisis in Manila aroused heavy criticism in Hong Kong.
The crisis on August 23 resulted in the deaths of nine Hong Kong residents. Chan expressed grief through his Twitter account: “I come back to HK & Ihear terrible news about what happened in the Philippines. A lot of things don’t happen to your own country you don’t pay attention to.Then he added in another tweet: “This kind of things always happen around the world … HK is a place built by a lot of dfferent people. Don’t worry! We do not hate!”Chan’s sentiments were lauded by Filipinos. Edwin Lacierda, spokesman fo Philippine President Benigno Aquino, was quoted by local media as saying he was grateful and regarded Chan’s behavior as “extending friendship” to FilipinoHowever, Chan incited hateful comments among those back home. Some formed an anti-Jackie Chan group on Facebook. “Shut up! You just dont understand the pain of Hong Kong people. You don’t represent Hong Kong,” one commenter wroteOn August 27, Chan clarified his comments and apologized to the people of Hong Kong. Chan said the confusion arose due to an incomplete translation by his American assistant, leading netizens to think his apology was insincere.
This wasn’t the first time Chan’somments have aroused controversy. Last year he complained about the chaotic situation in Hong Kong and Taiwan, saying people there have too much freedom and Chinese people need to be controlled more by the government.
Comment
No need to apologize
I don’t think Chan needs to apologize to us. We cannot criticize him. e’s an adult. As long as it’s not against the law, and as long as he accepts the consequences, nobody has the right to criticize him. It’s just that Chan said something during an inappropriate moment
–Lu Enhua, actress
Speak like a superstar
This is not the first time Chan has aroused hatred because of his careless comments. It seems like he’s trying to put some distance between himself [as a person] and his superstar status. He should probbly study [his past mistakes] so he stops making comments so unbefitting of someone of his stature.
–Simon Wang, government officer
Talk less about politics
As a celebrity, Chan has the right to give his opinion about public events, but he should be very careful when talking about political issues. If he really has to, maybe do some research first?
–Felix, engineer from Ireland
Tunga reayes on Mon, 9th May 2011 11:19 pm
Everyone is subject to his own opinion. And Jackie has every right to speak out what’s on his mind. I love you Jackie. WE Filipinos love you so much.
cris tan on Wed, 21st Dec 2011 6:14 am
Chinese people are very angry of Chan’s statement about chinese needs to be controlled or they’ll do whatever they want. Chan says whatever he wants to say, he exercise the freedom and democracy. Why do hongkong and taiwan get angry? That is democracy to be able to say or do what you want. Thats what HK and Taiwan want! Then why do they get agry and want to control what Chan Says. Or maybe they have trouble understanding what he really meant?!