Canadian actor Simu Liu, celebrated for his role in Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, has been thrust into the spotlight for a less auspicious reason. He faces significant backlash following the resurfacing of his old Reddit posts, which have been linked to his personal account. These posts, deemed problematic, have sparked a wave of criticism worldwide.
Controversial Reddit Posts Trigger Outrage
Simu Liu’s old Reddit comments, allegedly made under the username “NippedInTheBud”, have caused significant controversy. Despite the deletion of the associated account, screenshots of his comments continue to circulate on the internet, fanning the flames of the backlash. The posts contained casually sexist remarks comparing women’s athletic abilities unfavorably to men’s, and expressions of disdain which were interpreted as having Islamophobic undertones.
Liu’s Connection to the r/AZNidentity Subreddit
The controversy was further fuelled by Liu’s purported affiliation with the r/AZNidentity subreddit. This online community is recognized as a hub for an Asian-identified subset of the Men’s Rights Activist community, known for its shared anti-Black sentiments. The subreddit has also been linked to Men’s Rights Asians, a group notorious for harassing outspoken Asian women.
Allegations of Participation in a Racist Incel Subreddit
The controversy surrounding Simu Liu extended when a Twitter user, @NebsGoodTakes, claimed that the archived Reddit account “/u/nippedinthebud” belongs to Simu Liu. The user brought attention to Liu’s alleged involvement in a racist incel subreddit and raised questions about his participation in other problematic activities.
A Glimpse Into Simu Liu’s Background and Career
Liu, born on April 19, 1989, in Harbin, China, is a renowned Canadian actor best known for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Jung Kim in the CBC Television sitcom “Kim’s Convenience.” Liu has received several nominations at the ACTRA and Canadian Screen Awards for his TV series work. He penned a memoir titled “We Were Dreamers” in 2022 and was listed as one of Time’s 100 most influential people under the “Artists” category.
Early Life and Immigrant Struggles
Born to parents Zhenning and Zheng Liu, Simu Liu was raised by his grandparents in Harbin while his parents were pursuing their careers. He immigrated to Canada with his parents at the age of five, settling in Mississauga, Ontario. His parents initially took dishwashing jobs to support their studies before eventually becoming successful aerospace engineers. Liu’s upbringing, his parents’ struggles, and their influence on his life are chronicled in his memoir, “We Were Dreamers.”
Career Progression and Achievements
Simu Liu’s journey into the acting world began as a stuntman and extra in films and music videos. His talent and dedication were noticed, and he started landing more significant roles. He has been nominated for and received several awards, including the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s Radius Award at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards.
Simu Liu’s rise to stardom and his recent controversy serve as a stark reminder of the influence of social media platforms and the lasting impact of past actions on public perception. The consequences of his alleged Reddit posts underline the importance of using social media responsibly.
