Dharamshala, 28th May: In the ‘F9′ interview, John Cena apologized to China for referring to Taiwan as a country. In a recent interview promoting Universal Studios’ international release “F9,” John Cena, the most recent member of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, apologized to China on Tuesday for identifying Taiwan as a country, implying that it was independent of China. Coincidentally, “F9″ was directed by a Taiwanese American: Justin Lin, 49, who grew up in Buena Park after immigrating to the U.S. from Taiwan when he was 8.
The Cena situation exposed Hollywood’s tense relationship with China. Celebrities in the entertainment sector, especially professional athletes, have been chastised for making political remarks. Furthermore, Hollywood companies have been chastised for suggestions that they modify content in order to avoid irritating Chinese government censors such as the ancient one in ‘Dr. Strange’ read here.
John Cena’s apology to China was mocked by the late exhibition with Stephen Colbert after calling Taiwan a country. The movie star and former professional wrestler sparked widespread outrage after making the remark during a promotional interview for his forthcoming film, F9, and then apologizing (in Mandarin) to China.
The Late Show published the “full” apology video on Wednesday, criticizing Cena’s decision. “Taiwan is not only not a country, but it is also not a genuine place,” read the phony subtitles. “It’s similar to Zootopia, which generated $220 million in China.”
Taiwan has been self-ruled since 1949 when Nationalists fled to Taipei, where they set up a rival government that claimed to be the legitimate government of the island and the mainland. Taiwan has never declared full independence. That’s partly because some Taiwanese politicians have adhered to the so-called One China policy and partly because China has threatened violence to regain the “rebel” island if it ever tries to formally split with the mainland. China continues to claim sovereignty over Taiwan, despite its self-ruled status and has blocked Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization’s 194-member assembly, because of Taipei’s dispute with Beijing over its political status.
Image Courtesy: entertainment.hellolumbini.com
Leave a Reply