Barbie Hsu’s Name Found In List Of Hongkong’s Controversial Security Law Supporters, But She Says It’s Not Her

Last week, China’s parliament approved a national security legislation that is expected to criminalise acts of terrorism, subversion, separatism, and interferences by foreign forces in Hongkong. The controversial new law is seen by some as a threat to free speech and political expression, and was met with international criticism and fresh protests in the city.

Still, there appears to be a long list of high-profile celebrities who have voiced their support. Last Friday (May 29), a statement claiming to represent the Hongkong performing arts industry was released, along with the names of over 2,600 people and 110 organisations who supposedly endorse the legislation, which they believe will “protect national security” and help Hongkong “start over” and “return to the rule of law”.

The list brims with big stars, including Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Eric Tsang, Kenny Bee, Kara Wai, Jordan Chan and Wong Cho Lam.

However, the legitimacy of the list has also been questioned, especially after a handful of those mentioned stepped forward to declare that they were never asked to be part of it. Among them is Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, whose alleged involvement in particular had caused a stir among netizens.

“The person in the statement just has the same name as me,” the 43-year-old clarified. “I am currently fully occupied with making preparations for my daughter’s education, and I never received a notification or invitation to participate in any petitions.”

There are those who aren’t exactly convinced by her response, though. Taiwanese professor and political scientist Fan Shih-ping is especially vocal about this issue, saying that if there isn’t another “Xu Xi Yuan” in the Hongkong entertainment scene, Barbie should stop fooling around and boldly own up if it really is her. And, if it isn’t, why isn’t she taking action against those who added her name without her consent?

Guess this incident must have hit a sore spot. Back in January, Barbie got into hot soup with both the Japanese and her fellow countrymen for buying and shipping 10,000 masks to Wuhan during the earlier stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, leading to accusations that she was “sucking up to China”.

Photos: Barbie Hsu/Weibo, Nanfang Daily/Weibo, Jackie Chan/Weibo, Alan Tam/Weibo, Jordan Chan/Weibo, TPG