The internet is buzzing with debate after Choi Woo-shik, star of the Oscar-winning film Parasite, was accused of racial discrimination during a public appearance at Paris Fashion Week. The controversy started when a Black fan claimed the actor purposely ignored her autograph request. The situation has since escalated, leading to intense social media backlash, a public apology from the actor, and a powerful response from the fan herself.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began on June 26 when a Black fan who goes by the name Tricia The Angel online shared a video and detailed her experience at the AMI Paris show. She explained she had come to the event specifically to support Choi Woo-shik and had even prepared a poster for him to sign.
According to the fan, the actor came close to where she was standing and signed autographs for other people but did not acknowledge her or make eye contact. She stated she was the only Black person in her section of the crowd. The fan said she doesn’t usually assume racism, but the incident made her wonder if her race played a role in how she was treated.
“I had the worst experience at the Paris fashion show. I am not usually someone who easily says, ‘This is racism.’ But this incident was so strange. My hands are still trembling.”
She felt upset because others around her got his attention while she was left standing with her poster. She even mentioned that at an after-party, she crossed the street to avoid further misunderstanding, feeling as if the actor was signaling she didn’t belong there.
Social Media Divides Over The Controversy
The viral video quickly sparked heated debates across platforms like TikTok and X. Many social media users expressed anger and disappointment, labeling the actor’s behavior as discriminatory.
One user commented on the situation, saying, “She is too nice with the way she explained the situation in clear detail and still tried her very best to be understanding. i hope none of his fans ever try to invalidate her feelings.” Others were more direct, with some netizens calling out the actor for what they perceived as a deliberate snub.
However, as criticism grew, other videos from the same event started surfacing. These clips appeared to show Choi Woo-shik smiling and signing autographs for other Black fans. This evidence led many to question whether the incident was a case of discrimination or simply a missed interaction during a crowded and chaotic event.
“Black women don’t bite @ Choi Wooshik!!! Because look at him doing the most beside Halle Bailey at an AMI event some years ago. Now at another event he signs for everyone except the black girl standing in front of him. Tf is your problem bro?” — Social media user
Supporters of the actor argued that the environment at Paris Fashion Week is often extremely busy, with celebrities rushing through dense crowds while surrounded by security and photographers. They also pointed to Choi Woo-shik‘s past support for the #BlackoutTuesday campaign in 2020 as a reason not to rush to judgment.
Choi Woo-shik Issues Public Statement
As the online debate continued to intensify, Choi Woo-shik directly addressed the situation. On June 28, the actor posted a statement in English on social media, apologizing to the fan and clarifying that he never intended to discriminate against anyone.
He explained that due to the limited time at the event, he could not sign autographs for all the fans present. He specifically expressed his hope to meet the fan again in the future.
“Sorry if I missed you! I tried to sign as many autographs as I could, but time was just too short. I really hope we can meet again next time!”
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The Fan Responds To The Apology
Following the actor’s public apology, the fan at the center of the controversy shared her own thoughts. In a social media post, she acknowledged the actor’s statement and said she understands that fan events operate on strict timelines.
However, she stood by her own experience. She stated that while she holds no ill feelings, she trusts her own perspective regarding what happened. She added that the interaction provided her with “all the clarity” she needed about where to focus her support in the future.
“I appreciate the statement and understand these events operate on a strict timeline. While I hold no ill feelings, I trust my own perspective. The interaction provided me with all the clarity I needed about where to focus my energy and support in the future.”
The actor is currently busy filming the upcoming tvN drama Whale Star (also known as Gorae Byul), an adaptation of a popular webtoon set during the Japanese colonial period.
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