Jason Momoa spreads awareness on conservation, Internet slams him for 'hurting the feelings' of Chinese people
It's safe to say that celebrities are yet to learn their lesson about voicing their opinions on controversial topics, and the Internet has never shown mercy. In this day and time where racism is being called out no matter how big, everyone's favorite Aquaman Jason Momoa's recent Instagram post stirred quite the controversy. All Momoa wanted to do was raise awareness about a fleet endangering marine ecosystems, but since he specified it to be a Chinese fleet on his Instagram post, followers are now calling for a ban on his work in China, asking him to "think before you speak".
"Repost from @savethereef," started the caption of Momoa's post, "BREAKING NEWS: A 260 boat-strong Chinese fishing fleet has been detected surrounding the Galapagos islands off the coast of Ecuador, according to the country's navy. WE MUST ALL SIGN THE PETITION TO PROTECT THE WILDLIFE THERE & SHARE THIS TO MAKE THIS GO VIRAL so the ships stop disturbing this UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique wildlife and biodiversity!"
Right off the bat, the actor specified that it was a Chinese fleet, which his followers say isn't the point. "Why even say Chinese, why does this nonsense have to apply to all Chinese people, stop being f**king ignorant," said one miffed user. Another added, "Well tell Columbia and Mexico to see if they complain, Ecuador is Allies with South American Countries. Your petition means not a damn thing to them."
The actor also added former environment minister, Yolanda Kakabadse's quote that read, "This fleet’s size and aggressiveness against marine species is a big threat to the balance of species in the Galápagos." The minister, according to Momoa's repost, was assigned to develop a "protection strategy" for the Islands.
"We cannot allow a repeat of 2017 when the Ecuadorean Navy captured a Chinese vessel, The Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999, which was part of a similar-sized fishing fleet, and found to be carrying 300 tons of marine wildlife, with more than 6,000 illegally killed sharks. WE CANNOT ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN AGAIN HERE!," urged Momoa yet again seemingly insinuating that the Chinese were at fault — according to his Chinese followers that is.
"I am Chinese and I love you Jason. I admit some of our people did something bad for the environment, it’s just...there are too many people in the country and we can't guarantee all of them are well educated. pls don't hate Chinese residents，most of us are very friendly and kind. I really want peace and love. aloha," wrote one of the star's followers.
This may have not sat well with the actor, who then replied, "I don’t hate anyone I’m just bringing awareness to injustice and this needs to be stopped." The fan then explained why he had originally commented saying, "Wow I'm so excited you reply me. I understand your concern and thank you for understanding me. It’s just these days a lot of people are bring hate to China and Chinese people. I am a little sad and unsafe. we citizens really want the world to be better and more justice."
"Most people know these actions are perpetrated by the CCP or corporate entities. Not the good people of China," wrote another follower reminding Jason of who they think the real culprits are. Some, on the other hand, weren't so forgiving of the actor's repost as one user wrote, "You hurt the feelings of the Chinese people! You and all your work will get banned from China! Think before you speak!," with another adding, "This broke my heart ...We are the not cause of animal extinction."