He isn't the only one upset by the segment; NBA fans also took to social media to voice their displeasure.
Simu Liu, who stars in the Marvel Studios film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” vented his displeasure on social media after learning that an Asian fan who allegedly looked like him was highlighted on a “celebrity look-a-like” segment during the NBA Celebrity All-Star game on Friday night.
One Twitter user posted a picture of the aforementioned segment, which included Simu’s image and the Asian fan who resembled him next to it. The user captioned the photo, “lmaooo,” and mentioned the actor, who later quoted the tweet.
The Marvel star wrote, “I had a great time but this wasn’t cool.” Many of Liu’s followers agreed with his tweet, with one writing, “you guys don’t even look anything alike.”
A second user also shared their own sentiment on the matter, saying, “no but this is pure racism since they aint look alike at all 😭 and im pretty sure those who were defending this in the replies and qrts must have made multiple jokes about asian people looking the same irl.”
As a matter of fact, people on the internet expressed different opinions about the “celebrity look-a-like” segment during the NBA Celebrity All-Star game. Some blamed the NBA and pointed out how racist the move is, while some argued that they shared similar features.
I had a great time but this wasn't cool https://t.co/8ZXUUvBk7W
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) February 18, 2023
Simu’s quote tweet obviously garnered much attention, prompting him to address his statement in the same tweet. He’s blaming the camera crew behind it rather than the NBA as the people’s anger grew.
“To be perfectly clear the entire org and ops team surrounding all-star have been nothing but absolutely stellar to myself and all my friends,” he explained. “This was just one person with a camera. and no disrespect to my man in the videotron either! he’s gorgeous we just don’t look alike.”
The team led by former NBA player Dwyane Wade, “Team Dwyane,” included the “Kim’s Convenience” star in its lineup for the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game on Friday. He played with MVP-winning NFL star DK Metcalf, as well as rapper 21 Savage and singer Janelle Monáe.
Despite the conflicting responses, Simu Liu‘s critique received much attention on social media and sparked a debate regarding racial representation in the NBA. This discourse has been necessary and must continue to foster a more welcoming environment in the league.
Reactions to Simu Liu Slams NBA's Celebrity Look-A-Like Segment During Its Weekend Game
When the cameraman looked for Simu Liu’s lookalike and spotted a random Asian man
When the cameraman looked for Simu Liu’s lookalike and spotted a random Asian man https://t.co/7lqLAxSDtf pic.twitter.com/KCbI40Avgg
— Junior Maruwa (@juniormaruwa) February 18, 2023
They looked for one Asian and called it a day💀💀
They looked for one Asian and called it a day💀💀 https://t.co/jFT7R0g4mh
— We actually did it (@OJSIMPS0NBURNER) February 18, 2023
asian people stay out of utah, i cannot stress this enough
asian people stay out of utah, i cannot stress this enough https://t.co/pGoni8Wo3H
— hoagieboi.bmp (@beefhoagie) February 18, 2023