Awkwafina Issues Statement In Response To Accusation Of Cultural Appropriation, Says She Is Still Learning.
American actress, Awkwafina, has issued a lengthy Twitter statement in response to criticisms that she has used a “blaccent” (Black accent) and elements of African American language and mannerisms in her career.
The Golden Globe-winning comedy actress, best known for her roles in the hit films Crazy Rich Asians, Oceans 8, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, issued the statement on Saturday, Feb. 5, following years of accusations of allegedly using African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in her music and some of her films, as well as cultural appropriation.
She wrote:
“My immigrant background allowed me to carve an American identity off the movies and tv shows I watched, the children I went to public school with, and my undying love and respect for hip hop,” she wrote. “I think as a group, Asian Americans are still trying to figure out what that journey means for them — what is correct and where they don’t belong.
“And though I’m still learning and doing that personal work, I know for sure that I want to spend the rest of my career doing nothing but uplifting our communities. We do this first by failing, learning, acknowledging, hearing and empathizing… And I will continue, tirelessly, to do just that.”
In two subsequent tweets, she stated that she is leaving Twitter, where she has received the harshest criticism.
She wrote:
“Well, I’ll see you in a few years, Twitter – per my therapist.
“To my fans, thank you for continuing to love and support someone who wishes they could be a better person for you. I apologize if I ever fell short, in anything I did. You’re in my heart always.”
Awkwafina added:
“I am retiring from the ingrown toenail that is Twitter. Not retiring from anything else, even if I wanted to, and I didn’t drunkenly hit someone with a shoehorn and now escaping as a fugitive. Also am avail on all other socials that don’t tell you to kill yourself!”
