Emily Brown
Crazy Rich Asians actor Awkwafina has announced she is leaving Twitter following criticisms of cultural appropriation.
The actor has long faced backlash for using African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and culturally appropriating her voice, especially in the early days of her career when she shared viral rap videos, with many accusing her of using a 'blaccent', a term used when a non-Black person imitates Black English.
Awkwafina, who is Asian-American and whose real name is Nora Lum, previously commented on the controversy and said it was 'really something that is a little bit multi-faceted and layered', but she spoke out again this weekend following further backlash.
In a statement released on Twitter, she wrote in part: 'As a non-Black POC, I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and context of AAVE, what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalised group. But I must emphasise: To mock, belittle, or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is: Simply. Not. My Nature. it never has, and it never was.'
Awkwafina went on to explain that her immigrant background allowed her to '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', adding: '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.'
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A couple of hours after posting the statement, the actor shared another post in which she wrote 'see you in a few years, Twitter'.
She indicated the decision was one suggested by her therapist and thanked her fans for their continued 'love and support' for someone who 'wishes they could be a better person for you'.
Awkwafina added: 'I apologize if I ever fell short, in anything I did. You’re in my heart always.'
For clarification, she then confirmed she was 'retiring from the ingrown toenail that is Twitter' apparently at least in part due to hurtful messages she had received.
Following the announcement, some social media users branded Awkwafina's statement a 'non-apology', with one person responding to say 'Black people are not your experiment'.
They continued, 'we are not pairs of shoes to be tried on in a quest to figuring out identity. our culture is not an antithesis to american whiteness and certainly not a page in your book of exploring what it means to not be white in america [sic].
Awkwafina has said she will still be active on other social media accounts.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org