KUALA LUMPUR: A petition has been initiated against Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen to rescind his invitation to be a presenter at the coming Academy Awards.
Hong Kong Free Press reported yesterday that the petition, which has attracted over 50,000 signatures, was over the John Wick: Chapter 4 star's support for the Chinese Communist Party.
The petition which started on March 4 had set a target of 75,000 signatures.
In a letter attached with the petition, the petitioners described Yen as "a supporter of the Chinese Communist regime" who "has made several remarks in support of the Chinese government's policies, including supporting the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and accusing Hong Kong protesters of being rioters."
Yen's remarks, they claimed, had violated "the spirit of freedom of speech" and denied Hong Kongers' rights to fight for freedom and democracy.
"If the Oscars Committee continues to invite such a person as a guest presenter, it will damage the image and reputation of the film industry," the letter said.
During a recent interview with GQ, Yen claimed that Hong Kong's anti-extradition bill unrest in 2019 were not protests but a riot.