TVB drama Barrack O’Karma 1968 has drawn criticism for its use of an actress in brownface to portray a Filipino domestic helper.

The drama, now airing on TVB, stars Joel Chan, 45, and Selena Lee, 41. It is a sequel to 2019's Barrack O’Karma.

To play domestic helper Louisa in the show, Canadian-born Chinese TVB actress Fanchesca Wong, 32, darkened her skin with make-up.

Her co-star King Lam posted an IG video of the actress applying make-up on her legs and using a Filipino accent to say: “I am transforming into another person. I am sun tanning right now, sir.”

Screenshots of Franchesca in King Lam's IG vid.

While Franchesca's acting has been praised by viewers, her use of brownface has sparked criticism of Hongkong’s portrayal of minorities onscreen.⁠

Here's what Franchesca looks like on the regular

Franchesca was initially working as a marketing officer in Hongkong after finishing her university studies in Canada. She later discovered that her passion lies in acting and left her job to pursue a career in showbiz.

While speaking to the Hongkong media about her role, Franchesca said that she has a “darker skin tone” and tends to be mistaken for a Filipino.

She also added that to prepare for the show, she picked up Tagalog from her domestic helper, and even followed her to her gatherings during the weekends.

Audiences have since taken to Franchesca’s IG to voice their unhappiness at Francesca’s use of brownface.

“Very disappointing to see your highly racist video circulating today. Not appropriate in this day and age,” wrote one netizen.

Neither TVB nor Franchesca has addressed the controversy as of press time.

Franchesca as Louisa

Photos: Franchesca Wong/ Facebook, King Lam/ Instagram