A Petition to Rescind Donnie Yen Invitation to Present at the 95th Academy Awards
A petition with over 80,000 signatures has been initiated to rescind the invitation of Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen to present at the 95th Academy Awards. The petition is based on Yen’s support for the Chinese Communist Party and his alleged violation of the spirit of freedom of speech and the rights of Hongkongers to fight for freedom and democracy.
The petition was started by a group of people from Hong Kong, who set a target of 75,000 signatures and later increased to 150,000. They claim that Yen is “a supporter of the Chinese Communist regime” who 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.
According to Hong Kong Free Press, if the Oscars 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.
During a recent interview with GQ, Yen claimed that Hong Kong’s anti-extradition bill unrest in 2019 was not protests but a riot. Although he acknowledged that his stand would upset some people, he said he was speaking from his own experience.
The petition against Yen’s invitation to present at the Academy Awards highlights the ongoing political tensions in Hong Kong and the controversy surrounding Yen’s alleged support for the Chinese Communist Party. It also raises important questions about freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights in Hong Kong.
While it remains to be seen whether the Academy will rescind Yen’s invitation, the petition is a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of speaking out against injustice. As the world watches the 95th Academy Awards, it is important to remember that behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, there are real people and real issues at stake.
