Carina Lau Sparks Internet Debate Over Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Carina Lau, the beloved Hong Kong actress, felt the heat of online backlash after posting a heartfelt picture of Queen Elizabeth II on Instagram. The British monarch, who ruled for an impressive 70 years, passed away on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96.
How Lau Expressed Her Grief
On September 9, Lau shared a photo of the Queen and wrote in Chinese:
“A tribute to Queen Elizabeth. This outstanding woman presided over a long and stable reign in a rapidly changing society. Her passing is an irreplaceable loss in our era.”
While she refrained from reposting the tribute on Weibo—the Chinese social media platform—netizens were still quick to react.
The Storm on Weibo
On September 15, Lau took to Weibo, only to be met with a torrent of disapproval:
- Many users demanded she repost the Instagram screenshot on Weibo and warned she might never set foot in China again.
- Others invoked historical grievances, referencing the First Opium War (1839‑1842) that led to Hong Kong Island’s ceding to Britain.
Despite the furious comments, Lau has yet to respond.
Other Celebrities Aren’t Far Behind
Law Kar Ying, a veteran Hong Kong opera star, faced a similar spat last week. After praising Queen Elizabeth in an Instagram post that was later deleted, he issued an apology video on Weibo, declaring his patriotism loud and clear.
What This Means for Hong Kong’s Public Figures
In the age of instant comments, even a simple tribute can spark a national conversation. For Carina Lau, the moment has turned from a respectful nod to a precarious digital tightrope—balancing personal sentiment with public expectations.
