A minor character in the fashion-magazine comedy The Devil Wears Prada 2 has sparked a major backlash online, even before the film has reached cinemas. A 38-second clip released on social media by 20th Century Studios on 16 April was designed to showcase Jin Chao, played by Helen J Shen, who is introduced as "the former assistant's new assistant". In the clip, she is shown introducing herself and speaking to Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, who has newly returned to work at the fictional Runway magazine.
However, the clip has been greeted with furious reactions on social media, with posts accusing the character of being "blatant anti-Asian racism" being viewed millions of times. The criticism appears to centre on several elements. The character wears dowdy clothes and glasses, contrasting sharply with other visible characters, leading to claims that the filmmakers are using an outdated stereotype. Her recital of academic achievements — "I did go to Yale, 3.86 GPA, lead soprano of the Whiffenpoofs, and my ACT score was 36" — also triggered claims that the character plays into the Asian stereotype of the "nerdy bookworm".
Other social media posts have taken aim at the character's name, saying it sounds uncomfortably close to a racist slur. The Guardian has contacted the film's representatives for comment. The hotly anticipated sequel is due for release on 30 April in China and 1 May in the US and UK, and has previously been criticised for a brand partnership with coffee chain Starbucks.
