Lawmaker Regina Ip said actress Nicole Kidman’s quarantine-free travel to Hong Kong demonstrates that the city is a “safe and fun place to visit.”
The pro-establishment politician tweeted the comment Thursday, denying that the quarantine exemption is a privilege as others whose visits are “assessed to be necessary or in the public interest” are similarly excused by the government.
Nicole Kidman’s visit demonstrates to Australia that Hong Kong is a safe and fun place to visit, in spite of the Australian government’s earlier warning.
— Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee (@ReginaIplau) September 2, 2021
Kidman is currently in Hong Kong to film “Expats,” an Amazon series about the high life of the expatriate community in Hong Kong. She was allowed to skip quarantine, an exemption that is being broadly criticized at a time that Hong Kong’s political crackdown takes aim at the local arts and entertainment sphere.
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“‘Safe and fun’ for the white millionaire actresses, thanks for the update,” one Twitter user wrote.
The “Expats” crew has been spotted filming in Sai Wan, at the Peak School and in Mong Kok’s Ladies Market.
Local media reported last week that shooting was paused for a few days after Kidman had an argument with the show’s director, Lulu Wang, while filming a scene at a pet shop near Fa Yuen Street.
There have not been reported sightings of the crew since.
The government confirmed that a total of five members of the show’s production team, including Kidman, were granted quarantine exemptions. They must submit to stringent guidelines such as regular COVID-19 testing and sticking to an itinerary.
