BD Wong Issues Urgent Apology for ‘Racist’ Joke on Social Media
UPDATE: Actor BD Wong, known for his role on Law & Order: SVU, has issued an urgent apology for a controversial social media post that has ignited backlash for being “racist.” The incident occurred on October 3, 2023, when Wong responded to a post by Black wildlife influencer Mike Holston on Threads, leading to widespread criticism online.
Wong, who most recently appeared in the premiere episode of SVU’s 27th season, acknowledged the gravity of his comments in a follow-up post. He stated, “I want to elaborate re a racist comment I posted… I recognize & accept the responsibility for how terrible it is.” His initial response, which has since been deleted, compared an unidentified animal to a “Black man,” prompting swift condemnation from social media users who deemed the joke “stupid and disappointing.”
The backlash has been intense, with voices from various communities, including the news site Very Asian, calling out the “anti-Blackness” inherent in Wong’s joke. They emphasized, “It’s not that we didn’t get it. It’s that your racism wasn’t funny.” Wong, understanding the impact of his words, expressed regret, stating, “Very sorry for the hurt I’ve caused & for taking lightly something so deeply injurious.”
In his apology, Wong emphasized that it would be “wrong to try to ‘explain’ anything,” suggesting that further attempts to justify his comment would only erode trust. He further stated, “I do know better, but again, no excuses.” Wong has been an advocate for various communities as one of Hollywood’s few out gay Asian actors, making this incident particularly poignant.
The immediate relevance of Wong’s apology underscores a growing sensitivity to issues of race and humor in today’s society. As discussions around racism continue to evolve, incidents like this highlight the need for accountability and reflection.
Moving forward, fans and followers are watching closely to see how Wong will engage with his audience after this incident. The actor has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, appearing in notable projects such as Mr. Robot and the Jurassic Park franchise. His activism has garnered respect, but this incident has raised questions about the responsibilities of public figures in their use of humor.
As developments unfold, it remains to be seen whether Wong’s apology will suffice to mend the trust with his audience and how this situation will impact his career moving forward.
