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The launch of Disney’s Mulan has rekindled calls to boycott the film over its star’s comments about Hong Kong.
Controversy over the film, filmed primarily in New Zealand, erupted when actress Liu Yifei, who plays Mulan in the live-action remake, voiced her support for Hong Kong police after they were accused of using excessive force. to quell unrest during last year’s demonstrations.
Liu reportedly posted a message on the Chinese social networking site Weibo that read: “I also support the Hong Kong police. You can hit me now. ”
Disney
Liu Yifei faced immediate backlash for his comments in support of the Hong Kong police.
The Chinese-American star faced immediate backlash, with the hashtag #BoycottMulan trending on social media.
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When the film, directed by New Zealander Niki Caro, was released on Disney + this weekend, pro-democracy activists in Asia reiterated their objection to Liu’s position.
“This movie opens today. But because Disney bows to Beijing, and because Liu Yifei openly and proudly supports police brutality in Hong Kong, I urge all who believe in human rights to #BoycottMulan, “prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong tweeted.
Several Hong Kong fans also responded to Liu’s tweets promoting the film with the hashtag #BoycottMulan.
However, others thought that the hashtag had to do with Disney’s decision to release the blockbuster to the streaming platform for an additional fee, with subscribers in New Zealand paying $ 39.99 for early access.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter Earlier this year, Liu tried to distance himself from the comments, saying: “I think it’s obviously a very difficult situation and I’m not an expert.”
Mulan will hit theaters in China on September 11.
