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Jackie Chan, the world-renowned action star famous for his impressive stunts and impeccable comedic timing, made a statement that sparked controversy.
During the Boao Forum, a prestigious economic conference in China, Chan voiced an opinion that left many speechless and others outraged. After dazzling on-screen performances, the over-a-decade-old off-screen misstep sparked a global discussion on the nuances of his statement.
Jackie Chan: From Being Most Loved To Being Most Hated
Jackie Chan, best known for his martial arts and funny chops in movies likeRush Hour, Police Story,andEnter the Dragon, among many others, once got into trouble because of a bold yet offensive statement.
In 2009, the action actor stated in theBoao Forumthat Chinese people needed control, which sparked a heated debate about freedom and governance within the Chinese-speaking community.
“I’m not sure if it’s good to have freedom or not. I’m really confused now. If you’re too free, you’re like the way Hong Kong is now. It’s very chaotic. Taiwan is also chaotic. I’m gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we are not being controlled, we’ll just do what we want. If we are not being controlled, we’ll just do what we want.”
After Jackie Chan’s comment, there was an immediate and fierce backlash. Taiwan and Hong Kong, which have complicated relationships with mainland China, were the first to react. Criticism poured in from all sides as politicians, newspapers, and netizens lambasted Chan.
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Jackie Chan,known for his love for his country, was in danger of losing his reputation as a beloved ambassador for several organizations. There were calls for boycotts of his films and projects, which showed how the combination of celebrity culture and political opinion can be very powerful.
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The Aftermath of Jackie Chan’s Statement
The meaning behind Chan’s statement is still unclear to his fans. There is speculation surrounding whether it was a mistake on his part or if there was a misinterpretation during translation. The backlash against Chan was not a temporary reaction.
It was sustained and widespread, with numerous notable figures and organizations distancing themselves from him. As a consequence, the mayor of Taipei revoked Chan’s ambassadorship for the 2009 Summer Deaflympics, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board reconsidered his role as a spokesperson.
Despite the widespread outrage, a group of intellectuals in China presented a different viewpoint. They warned against resorting to stereotypes and stressed the difficulties that come with governing a vast and diverse country. Although this provided a nuanced and thoughtful perspective, it was ultimately drowned out by the louder voices of dissent.
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Mabel Andrady
Senior Writer
Articles Published :694
Mabel, aka MJ, is a FandomWire Sr. Writer, pop-culture fanatic, and an MA in Health Demography holder. When she’s not indulging in her guilty pleasure of penning everything Hollywood, Marvel & DC, she writes academic essays on COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS. With 2500+ articles published online, she brings a unique twist to entertainment writing. A jack-of-all-trades, MJ enjoys movies, writes/acts in plays, writes music, and dreams of being a successful actress. She offers a fresh perspective, making her writing a must-read for those seeking knowledge and entertainment.
