A minor character in the upcoming film The Devil Wears Prada 2 has sparked a major backlash online, before the film has even reached cinemas. The controversy surrounds a 38-second clip released by 20th Century Studios on social media on 16 April, introducing the character Jin Chao, played by Helen J Shen.
The clip shows Jin Chao introducing herself to Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs, who has returned to work at the fictional magazine Runway. However, viewers have accused the character of being a “blatant anti-Asian racism” stereotype, with posts viewed millions of times.
Criticism centres on several elements: Jin Chao wears dowdy clothes and glasses compared to other characters, which some see as an outdated stereotype. Her recitation of academic achievements – “I did go to Yale, 3.86 GPA, lead soprano of the Whiffenpoofs, and my ACT score was 36” – has also been criticised for playing into the “nerdy bookworm” Asian stereotype. Additionally, some social media users have said her name sounds uncomfortably close to a racist slur.
The Guardian has contacted the film’s representatives for comment. The sequel is scheduled for release on 30 April in China and 1 May in the US and UK, and has already faced criticism over a partnership with Starbucks.
