It's a Small World After All

Chinese-American actress Crystal Liu has pulled Disney into the heated political fray surrounding Hong Kong's pro-democracy and anti-police brutality protests.

Disney's live-action Mulan remake has a become a surprise flashpoint in Hong Kong's ongoing pro-democracy, anti-police brutality protests, after the film's star, Chinese-American actress Crystal Liu, took to social media to voice her support for the Hong Kong police force.

Liu's statement sparked instant outcry in Hong Kong, where the local police have been accused by international human rights groups of excessive use of force in confrontations with protesters and the public.

Posting to her 65 million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo, Liu shared an image originally released by the state-backed People's Daily, reading: "I support Hong Kong's police, you can beat me up now," followed by, "What a shame for Hong Kong." Liu added the hashtag "IAlsoSupportTheHongKongPolice" and a heart emoji. The post received over 72,000 likes and over 65,000 shares in less than 24 hours.

Scratch a Hollywood actress, find a commy. I'm shocked.

Outside of China, however, the hashtag #BoycottMulan has begun to trend on Twitter and Instagram. One of the most viral tweets, with 3,500 retweets and almost 4,000 likes, came from Twitter user @sdnorton who wrote: "Disney’s Mulan actress, Liu Yifei, supports police brutality and oppression in Hong Kong. Liu is a naturalized American citizen. it must be nice. meanwhile she pisses on people fighting for democracy. retweet please. HK doesn’t get enough support. #BoycottMulan @Disney."

Comments on Liu's Instagram have similarly condemned her "support for police brutality" as well as the “[suppression] of democracy and freedom,” which “violates the character of Mulan,” and likewise called for a boycott of the film. There have also been comments attacking Liu for her views on the official Mulan Instagram and Facebook accounts.

The situation in Hong Kong is untenable, and has been since Britain washed it's hands off it in 1977. Did they ever really expect Communist China to honor its commitments to "one country two systems" over the long run?

Because she's cute, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she thinks that the actions of the protesters in Hong Kong now are more likely to bring on official domination by the reds than would happen without them. It's at least a valid argument.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Katie Williams ready at The Other McCain.