The appeal was initiated by the citizens of Hong Kong, who were calling for the dismissal of Donnie Yen as a presenter for the Oscars.
Residents of Hong Kong opposed Yen’s invitation to the Oscars following his public endorsement of the Chinese Communist Party’s infringement of human rights.
In their petition, they expressed that as a globally acknowledged film accolade, the Oscars should symbolize reverence for human rights and ethical principles rather than endorse actions that defy them.
Actor Donnie Yen is a staunch advocate of the Chinese Communist regime. He has not hesitated to display his support for his birth country, regardless of the intricate nature of their policies.
Yen voiced his support for the Chinese Communist Party when it accused Hong Kong demonstrators of being rioters. He also backed the Chinese government’s ruling to impose the National Security Law in Hong Kong.
These statements from such a renowned actor undermine the essence of freedom of expression and tarnish Hong Kong’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
The decision of the Oscars committee to feature an individual with such contentious political perspectives on their platform constitutes an obvious breach of ethical standards, freedom of speech, and human rights.
In a recent interview with Variety, Yen conveyed, while referring to the petition: “I’m allowed to cherish my own culture. I love my native land. Why can’t I be patriotic? This entire online cyberbullying/cancel culture must cease. You can’t dictate someone’s thoughts. And you intend to silence them? It’s utterly hypocritical.”
Yen’s statements were distressing to the people of Hong Kong because he had spent a considerable portion of his life in Hong Kong after relocating there at the age of just two years.
Despite endeavors to remove Yen from his role at this year’s Oscars, the actor took the stage on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to present the best original song award.
Even though the Oscars have concluded, the change.org petition is still active and receiving signatures sporadically.
Uncovering the career of Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen is a widely acclaimed actor, martial artist, and action director. He has gained acclaim for integrating mixed martial arts (MMA) into mainstream Asian cinema.
Yen is one of the most prominent movie stars in Asia, which also makes him one of the most highly remunerated actors in the region.
Yen co-stars with Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 4, portraying the role of the blind assassin Caine. He is also recognized for his appearances in Star Wars spin-off Rogue One, XXX: Return Of Xander Cage, and the 2020 live-action adaptation of Mulan.
The actor is also attributed with aiding in the popularization of Wing Chun, a form of southern Chinese kung fu, in China through his contributions to the Ip Man film series.
