Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-Fat, who spoke out in support of the #OccupyCentral student sit-ins, has been put on a blacklist by the Chinese central government. Yes, that’s right. They’ve banned him.
Now, this may come as a shock to many because the actor has always been praised for his graciousness and general likability.
However, during an interview with Apple Daily in early October he said:
When the government uses violent measures on students, it’s a turn-off for the people of Hong Kong. I don’t wish to see anyone getting hurt… it was a peaceful demonstration, and there was no need for any violence or tear gas. I’ve met the residents, the students — they are very brave and it’s touching to see that they’re fighting for what they want. The students are reasonable. If the government can come up with a solution that the citizens or students are satisfied with, I believe the crisis will end.
Of course, he’s not the only A-list Chinese celebrity who has done so – actor-singer Andy Lau too slammed the use of tear gas while Tony Leung didn’t sound like he was very pleased with the use of force on the protesters. Even American saxophonist Kenny G stumbled out of obscurity and into the scene, inciting a mild political scandal when he posed for photos with students at a protest site:
And that’s not all.
Hong Kong singer Anthony Wong, who’s also taken part in the demonstrations, told The New York Times that 2 of his mainland China shows in November have been “indefinitely postponed” by organisers. He reportedly said, “I’m just guessing, but I think they are trying to ban us because they’re afraid of different views. They fear that we would spread them. And of course it’s an attempt to punish us, a cold-shoulder treatment of sorts, so we can’t earn their money.”
Well, it despite all of that, the threat of being cut off doesn’t seem to faze Chow Yun-Fat, who’s already happily announced that he’s got plenty enough money to share (and will).
(Source)
