Myolie Wu Blasted for Political Insensitivity Amidst Protests in Hong Kong
Myolie Wu’s (胡杏兒) prominent support of her brother-in-law, Vincent Cheng (鄭泳舜) for local district elections under a pro-mainland China party, has come under fire.
The day before, Myolie Wu appeared in Sham Shui Po with her sister and brother-in-law, hoping to draw greater voter support. Myolie posted the family photo on her Weibo blog, writing, “Today, I came to Sham Shui Po to support my brother-in-law!” Although the message was quickly deleted, it was virally spread amongst other online forums.
Myolie’s brother-in-law, Vincent Cheng, is a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB). As the largest pro-mainland China political party in Hong Kong, the DAB adopts a more passive stance on democratic reform and believes that stability and economic prosperity will eventually be achieved in Hong Kong by furthering cooperation with mainland China.
Myolie’s subsequent support of her brother-in-law, a DAB member, comes at a time when sentiments towards mainland China were tense. Last Friday, on September 7, tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents gathered to protest a new educational subject, Moral and National Education, to be implemented in elementary schools this year, in advance of the mandatory timeline of 2015.
Myolie Wu: “I Do Not Know Politics”
Myolie’s indirect support of the DAB has sparked outrage amongst netizens who were against the political party’s pro-mainland China stance. Netizens vowed to not support her in the TVB Best Actress race should the live voting system be implemented this year.
Regarding the public backlash, Myolie replied, “I do not know politics; I am only supporting my family. My brother-in-law is trying very hard!” Admitting that she is not politically sensitive, Myolie explained that appearing in Sham Shui Po with her brother-in-law was a last measure to draw voter support.
Sources: Ming Pao via ihktv.com, On.cc
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It is never wise to talk about politics!!
It’s obvious she just wanted to support her family, but she should be aware there would be backlash no matter what party he’s in. Anyways, instead of bashing her, I hope they actually voted since that is what’s important. Also, she never had a chance to win TV Queen again since she got the award last year so it’s not like they have to do much. lol
Agreed! She won the award last year I doubt that se would care about winning it again.
Celebrity Star and politics just don’t mix well like cocktails.
Democracy and stability don’t mix either.
She’s not talking about politics. She’s just supporting her brother in law. She has said by herself that she doesn’t know much about politics and was just there to support her family member. What’s wrong with being a good sister in law?
Besides this is democracy! Artistes are also people and can talk politics too. What’s wrong with it?
The point is she is a celebrity! Myolie is pretty popular star where people would follow her to what she do. She has the power of Persuasion where that could lead to something more. A celebrity shouldn’t voice their opinion so public, they can express their feeling about politics but not to the public!
That’s just damage control, of course she has political opinions. The moral of the story is, the bigger the megaphone, the bigger the brickbats/bouquets. Celebs shouldn’t start something if they don’t want to deal with public consequences.
”They all want to be elected but why don’t they talk about their high wages and possible ventures.
What good have they delivered but talk. The current political games are nonesense at the expense of the tax payers in my opinion”
I agree…as a celebrity, being such a public figure, she has the ultimate power of persuasion. Although everyone has a right to voice out their opinion, or support whom ever they want, they should always take into consideration of how and when they do such action-ESPECIALLY when your identity as an artist, it comes with the package of fame to alway think before their actions (particularly on such a controversial area such as politics..) Although she did not mention of any politic content in her message when she uploaded the picture, she should have not posted the it up.
Myolie should learn from Maria Shriver–a staunch Democrat from a Democratic family. However, married the Republican Terminator. She managed to still be a Democrat while supporting her then husband running for office. It’s a fine line that needs to be carefully thought out.
I blame her terrible hair cut.
lol
LMAO
Celebrities & Politics should never be in the same sentence.
What about Politics and Business???
Although an artiste, she’s still a HK citizen legally able to vote and support a politic party of her own choice, so I wouldn’t blast her since she has the right as a citizen but you’re quite right, to be a well known individual and openly showing “where she belongs”, it’s not a surprise that she has to bare the public sentiments towards her.
I don’t agree with that. There are may American celebrities who only endorse a certain political party. Think oprah, brad Pitt, George clooney. In fact, because of their star power, they can be a very strong advocate for the party they support.
She shouldn’t have said I don’t know politics. Makes her sound stupid and lack belief in the public policy. She also sounds to me very selfish. As she avoids making a stand, it shows that she knows that whichever she supports will affect her career/fans’ support.
I feel that if she truly cares nd love her country, she should make use of her star power to bring about change.
I used to not know anything about politics in Hong Kong (I live in Canada, btw). But I recently got interested in the Hong Kong Legislative Elections and I gained quite a bit of basic knowledge about Hong Kong’s political system and their political parties from watching a lot of online videos.
Absorbing all the information I’ve collected, I ended up having an extremely negative impression of the DAB party. I’m not good with words…I personally feel that this pro-mainland China party is “evil” and is trying to slowly bring Hong Kong into the control of communist China.
I’m a fan of Myolie, but I don’t know that her bro-in-law is a member of DAB. It’s not her fault for supporting a family member, but since she is a celebrity, she really should’ve been more political-sensitive.
I hope that Myo is only supporting her bro-in-law, but not the DAB party.
If she’s supporting and pulling votes for the DAB party, it’s her own right to make as a HK citizen.
What do you mean by Evil Party. Hong Kong still belong to China and I am sure you are one of those people who wished that Hong Kong is still under British rule. Please remember the sign by the Westerners in the past that said ” Dogs and Chinese not allowed in.”
If people would rather be under British rule, don’t blame the people, blame the party which failed to capture the hearts of the people. The party should go reflect instead of forcing the people to do meaningless things, such as forcing the people to be loyal to them.
From what I saw, Hongkongers do love Hongkong very much. Any hatred they have to China is caused by the incompetence of DAB.
The pro-China parties are winning and gaining more seats despite the anti-China campaign from the do-called democrats. These ”democrats never even whispher when HK under British iron rule, even when the Limeys were dipping their dirty hands into HK reserves with over-prced contracts just before their rule in HK ended. But when HK suddenly revert to Chinese rule, all they care seems to be about ‘freedom and democracy’. Their paymasters in CIA must surely be dissapointed with their latest performance in not gaining people support despite extensive scare campaign tactics.
No, you’re wrong. I couldn’t care less about whether Hong Kong is under Chinese or British ruling. I don’t live in Hong Kong and my family is not from Hong Kong. I live in Canada and my parents are from the Guangdong province.
I’ve grown up with a strong interest in Hong Kong culture, so I wish Hong Kong the best. I see Hong Kong as a “Special Administrative Region” of China, and don’t wish for communist China to control over Hong Kong.
You might think that I don’t like China, but it’s the opposite. Like many Hong Kong people, I am proud to be Chinese, but we are not fond of the communist China’s political standing.
Regarding to my comment calling DAB “evil”…This is my just my personal impression of this party after I learned about their political standing. Please respect my personal opinion, I’d respect yours too. Thank you.
i’m the opposite of you; never used to like myolie. but i am a DAB supporter (and voted for them on sunday), and was surprised to learn her brother-in-law is a member of the party. she has definitely won brownie points from me.
if you get a chance to watch what actually goes on within the legislative council, you probably won’t feel so negative about the DAB. but not here to sway anyone’s political beliefs. just feel sorry for myolie, who i believe is just there to support her brother-in-law, like you say.
I am a newbie on Hong Kong politics. From what I learned so far regarding the political standings of DAB, I really do have a negative feeling towards them. I would certainly pay more attention to what goes on in the legislative council in the future.
But thank you very much for respecting my political beliefs.
It’s a double edged sword. Had she not gone to support her brother-in-law then DAB would release news about Myolie not supporting family members. I think everyone should leave her alone.
Agreed.
In terms of politics, every one is independent. No one has to support his/her family members. Even husband and wife have different and individual views of politics.
I don’t think Myolie has to support her brother-in-law if she is not supporting DAB party.
There are two big topics that you don’t or shouldn’t discuss with your families, relatives and friends, i.e. Religion and Politics.
Over here there are 3 taboo topics. Religion, Politics, and Sex!
I did not know SEX is included, too. Thanks for letting me know.
Simply supporting her brother and therefore the political party he serves without knowing its aims, etc., Myolie is asking for trouble. She should stay away from politics publicly although it’s obvious she wants to help her relative.
who care la, she can support any1 she like.
Of course she can… the problem is when she starts to use her position as a star to back a party she has no clue about (and admits it). It’s dangerous, especially considering how many of her fans will follow her on any word 😛
If she does not care about her public image, Myolie surely can do whatever she wants, but she will have to take all the consequences.
That kinda means Myolie views her family as more important than her public image. And supporting family should always come before supporting a political side.
I agrer with you Hannah. Myolie can support anyone she likes. Now the netizens are too harsh.
Myolie, since you claimed that you don’t know politics then it is wise to stay miles apart where politics are linked, even if it involves family members. Politics are dirty.
Don’t forget you’re a public figure. Don’t act silly again. It doesn’t pays!
I don’t get it. What’s wrong with Myolie supporting her brother in law? She said herself that she doesn’t know much about politics and is just supporting him as a family member. Besides it’s a freedom to everyone to choose their own party to support. Even if Myolie support this brother in law party what’s wrong with it? It’s her choice! Why the criticism from HK netizens?
Some of these “hk netizens” are just Myolie haters using politics to bash Myolie. No matter which side Myolie is on or who she supports they will come up with something to say. Even if she does not support anyone, they will still have something to say. If hating on someone makes them happy then let them be. 😀
Is that her sister?
Whatever the deal is, TVB might just take action and deep freezed her.
Nahs. TVB will save her and confirms she’s just a filial little sister who knows nothing about politics like what she said above: “I do not know politics; I am only supporting my family. My brother-in-law is trying very hard!”
Some points here:
-She’s supporting her brother in law by pulling votes for DAB in Sham Shui Po
-Either
a)she’s clueless about DAB and merely follows her sister and brother in law or
b)she’s actually not clueless and truly support DAB but she’s afraid to admit out because a lot of HKers don’t like DAB’s pro mainland sentiments
If she’s is an unknown person like Jenny Lau, TVB will just throw her to trash but wait if she’s Jenny Lau, the DAB oppositions won’t care because it won’t make difference for an unknown to pull votes haha.
I don’t see the big deal. American celebrities appear at political events all the time. People really have to start separating the private and professional lives of actors. What they do in private is up to them. I’m a strong Democrat but it doesn’t mean I don’t watch American movies and tv shows with Republican actors.
True, there are many politically active celebrities. George Clooney, for example, actively supported Obama’s campaign in 2008. He’s very pro-Democrat and everyone knows that.
But Myolie herself said she is not politically sensitive and isn’t part of any political party. If she had told everyone that she is pro-China, and then went to support her bro-in-law, I don’t think netizens would have that much of a problem with her.
i dont think u guys get potential to become an actor..
haha
Myolie is not re pretty at all,
i am really dont know why she could be a celebrity…
Her new hairstyle is not flattering at all. That’s all I can say
What the hell is with Myolie!
leave myo alone! what’s wrong with these netizens?! she’s only supporting her family member. shows that she’s a great person. support myo.
Fiona:
Are u under 18? So maybe u don’t understand the importance of politics in society. Who u vote for to represent u, can directly impact which legislation is passed and implemented so of course this is a heated topic to many citizens.
Myolie is a grown a$$ woman so she shouldn’t fein political ignorance and say she’s just supporting her family, as if her brother in law is running a restaurant or something. When it comes to something as important as politics, u shouldn’t blindly support someone even if they’re family.
If myolie wasn’t aware of his political views, then she shouldn’t try to use her celebrity to garner him votes. It’s irresponsible to endorse something she has absolutely no clue about.
But if she does believe in his political ideals, then she shouldn’t be ashamed about it either.
Fiona is correct in her comments. Agree with her absolutely. Myolie is not a young kid. If she doesn’t know politics, stay away from it. If she supports that party, she shouldn’t be ashamed about it either.
Sorry, I meant that Josie was correct in her post, NOT Fiona. It was my mistake.
To Josie: LIKE this post.
Myolie is a grown a$$ woman so she shouldn’t fein political ignorance and say she’s just supporting her family, as if her brother in law is running a restaurant or something. When it comes to something as important as politics, u shouldn’t blindly support someone even if they’re family.
If myolie wasn’t aware of his political views, then she shouldn’t try to use her celebrity to garner him votes. It’s irresponsible to endorse something she has absolutely no clue about.
But if she does believe in his political ideals, then she shouldn’t be ashamed about it either.
I thought Myolie can be more intelligent than this. She was a MHK participant who’re supposed to at least have decent education and intelligence or maybe I was wrong.
very true. saying she knows nothing about politics while rallying for a political party doesn’t make her brother-in-law look very good neither.
@josie
“If myolie wasn’t aware of his political views, then she shouldn’t try to use her celebrity to garner him votes. It’s irresponsible to endorse something she has absolutely no clue about.
But if she does believe in his political ideals, then she shouldn’t be ashamed
about it either.”
Agreed!
So she is pro China?
LOL sorry but Myolie admitting she doesnt know politics but instead just came out to support her brother in law make her sounds like an ignorant adult and citizen. ROFL I saw the pics and she was in the middle of rallying the votes for this DAB party. How could you not care about what their political points are and lend yourself to the party blindly just to ‘support the brother in law’?
Heck it would’ve sound better if she admit she support the party because at least she will appear more responsible as an adult! and yah everyone has right to believe in whichever party they want, but to rally votes for a party she has no knowledge of is irresponsible and ignorant.
She’s supporting her family, with her celebrity status she is giving a bit of PR and free ad for her bro in law. Somehow I am not impressed on politicians to rely on celebrities for recognition.
This will not help him and I don’t suppose will help her either.
This shows that Netizens are immature.
Celebrities are pants-on-head retarded.
I thought we all learned this by now ever since Carina Lau lost millions of dollars when she ran that company.
Netizens are immature. She cn support whoever she wants. Who are they to get mad at her for her own opinion and choice. And the main thing is she’s just there to support a family member
Is this democracy we see in HK? A person is bashed because she went to support a family member whose political aspirations clashed with some peoples’. And they’re not going to vote for her because of this???? Grow up…
That is not the point. The point is that she is using her celebrity status to support a politician. That is just insensitive and ignorant.
So, childish. She should know better……. it is her brother-in law, so she should support him, politically, or non-politically. It is her right, right?!?!?!
” Myolie replied, “I do not know politics; I am only supporting my family. My brother-in-law is trying very hard!” ”
Again she is not good at expressing herself. I am sure she isn’t that dumb. Whilst I understand her support of her bro in law, perhaps she should read the manifesto because if she intends to have a child in HK, all that will affect her child too. Don’t support for support sake. It’s your future! But of course HK can never escape the tight hold of China.
Sigh…. how to damage control thsi kind of things????
She looks good in the pic though…lol…
Each citizen is entitled to rule for whichever political party he / she believes is suitable to win. This just goes to show that the minds of the Hong Kong-ers are not as evolved as Americans.
Seriously no one in their right mind will vote for a candidate, just because they are
related to a celeb.