A petition to remove Donnie as host of the Oscars has so far garnered over 100,000 signatures due to support from the Chinese government.
Appropriate BBCHong Kong activist Tong Wai-hun started a petition, saying the decision “dishonors the people of Hong Kong” and that Yen’s participation “damages the image and reputation of the film industry”.
Talked before GQ last month, John Wick the actor reiterated his opposition to the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019.
“It wasn’t a protest, it was a riot,” Yen continued. “I’m not here to talk about how to change people’s attitudes towards him. But my own experience, for example, I was there, I have many friends who were there.
“I don’t want to be political. A lot of people may not be happy with what I have to say, but I am speaking from my own experience.”
The petition called Yen’s recent remarks a “violation of the spirit of freedom of expression” and “a denial of the right of the Hong Kong people to fight for their freedom.”
Yen is known for playing the lead role in the movie Ip Man film series. The actor also gained worldwide recognition for his film roles Star Wars spin off Rogue One, XXX: The Return of Xander Cageand 2020 Mulan live action remake.
