Asian Star of Controversial Hoekstra Ad Apologizes
A woman claiming to be the star of a controversial Super Bowl ad run by former congressman Pete Hoekstra’s (R-Mich.) Senate campaign has apologized for playing a role that some have said preys on Asian stereotypes.
“I am deeply sorry for any pain that the character I portrayed brought to my communities,” the actress, Lisa Chan, wrote on her Facebook page. “As a recent college grad who has spent time working to improve communities and empower those without a voice, this role is not in any way representative of who I am. It was absolutely a mistake on my part and one that, over time, I hope can be forgiven. I feel horrible about my participation and I am determined to resolve my actions.”
In the Hoekstra ad, the actress played a young Chinese woman who thanked Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) in broken English for sending American jobs overseas to her country.
To some, though, the character she played was too much of a caricature, and Hoekstra’s campaign has weathered some bad press because of it.
Note that fellow lizard Charleston Chew was among the first to recognize the major creep factor of racism in this ad.
Also see this article to gain an idea of how much it’s creeped out the average voter.