Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan expressed his eagerness to join the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at a Beijing forum on Thursday, Chinese state media Global Times reported.
“I’m jealous that you guys are CCP members,” Chan said, addressing his audience alongside other film industry players—last Thursday. “I want to become a CCP member. I can see the greatness of the CCP, and it will deliver what it says, and what it promises in less than 100 years, but only a few decades.”
The Hong Kong actor, renowned for his performances in comedy action flicks like the Rush Hour franchise, is a celebrated martial arts icon in the Western world.
But back home, many Hongkongers do not see him in the same light. During the 2019 protests, Chan called the demonstrations “sad and depressing,” and he also signed a petition in support of the national security law.
Read more: Jackie Chan grimaces, covers ears, and stays silent when asked about homeless daughter
Chan sits on the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an around 170-member committee that advises the Communist party.
On Twitter, supporters of the city’s pro-democracy movement denounced his praise of the CCP.
One user wrote: “#JackieChan is a hypocritical asshole who said anything for fame,” captioning a photo of Chan singing in support of the pro-democracy Tiananmen protesters in 1989.
For those who dun understand why Jackie Chan is hated in Hong Kong, pls watch this video!!#JackieChan is a hypocritical asshole who said anything for frame. He sang in a concert to support the protesters at Tiananmen Square in 1989 and now he wanna be a member of CCP https://t.co/jKVdLn2IHm pic.twitter.com/x0x105Dslb
— Hola 👨🏻💘 #ACAB (@Holaholamicasa) July 10, 2021
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