Awkwafina has addressed the “Blaccent” controversy before quitting Twitter.
The Crazy Rich Asians and Shang-Chi star has often found herself on the receiving end of criticism surrounding her accent.
In September last year, the Asian American actress was asked about the African American accent she put on in her early career.
“Um… You know, I’m open to the conversation,” she responded. “I think it really is something that I think is a little bit multi-faceted and layered, and so… yeah.”
However, social media users weren’t convinced about her response.
“She’s been asked that question for years and she ducked answering,” one Twitter user responded to Reuter’s video. “She doesn’t have an answer because the truth is ugly, she appropriated an offensive, minstrel persona for clout then lied about it instead of just apologizing and doing better.”
Now, Awkwafina – AKA Nora Lum – has released a statement on Twitter addressing the controversy. In the statement, Awkwafina said, “there is a sociopolitical context to everything, especially the historical context of the African American community in this country.”
“It is a group that is disproportionately affected by institutionalized policies and law enforcement policies — all the while having historically and routinely seen their culture stolen, exploited and appropriated by the *dominant* culture for monetary gain without acknowledgment nor respect for where those roots come from, the pioneers of its beginnings and the artists that perfected and mastered the craft.”
She then cited “‘the internet TikTok slang generation’ that liberally uses AAVE (African American Vernacular English),” “hip-hop” and “linguistic and immigrant acculturation” for “playing a factor in the fine line between offensive and pop culture.”
“But as a non-black POC I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and the context of AAVE, what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalized group,” she wrote.
“But I must emphasize: To mock, belittle or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is: Simply. Not. My. Nature. It never has and it never was.”
Awkwafina then followed up her statement with another tweet, apologizing to those who were offended and declaring she would take some time away from Twitter.
“Well, I’ll see you in a few years, Twitter – per my therapist. To my fans, thank you for continuing to love and support someone who wishes they could be a better person for you. I apologize if I ever fell short, in anything I did. You’re in my heart always,” she wrote.
“To Clarify: I am retiring from the ingrown toenail that is Twitter. Not retiring from anything else, even if I wanted to, and I didn’t drunkenly hit someone with a shoehorn and now escaping as a fugitive. Also am avail on all other socials that don’t tell you to kill yourself!” She added in another tweet.
— nora (@awkwafina) February 5, 2022
Well, I’ll see you in a few years, Twitter – per my therapist. To my fans, thank you for continuing to love and support someone who wishes they could be a better person for you. I apologize if I ever fell short, in anything I did. You’re in my heart always ❤️
— nora (@awkwafina) February 5, 2022
To Clarify: I am retiring from the ingrown toenail that is Twitter. Not retiring from anything else, even if I wanted to, and I didn’t drunkenly hit someone with a shoehorn and now escaping as a fugitive. Also am avail on all other socials that don’t tell you to kill yourself!
— nora (@awkwafina) February 5, 2022
