The Devil Wears Prada 2 Faces Racism Backlash in China Over ‘Qin Zhou’ Character The upcoming sequel to The Devil Wears Prada has sparked controversy in China after the release of a promotional clip featuring a new character named Qin Zhou, played by Chinese American actor Helen J. Shen. Critics argue that the character’s name and portrayal perpetuate harmful Asian stereotypes, prompting widespread backlash on Chinese social media and calls for a boycott. The controversy centers on the phonetic similarity between the character’s name, Qin Zhou and the derogatory term “ching chong,” a historically racist slur used in the West to mock Chinese immigrants and their accents. Chinese media outlets, including Hong Kong’s Oriental Daily News, have described the term as a “symbolic racist slur” that conveys “contempt and discomfort towards Chinese accents, and intonation.” Although the character’s name was initially misreported in some circulated clips as “Chin Chou,” a variation that further amplifies the resemblance to the slur, the official name used in the film is Qin Zhou. Beyond the name, critics have taken issue with Qin Zhou’s depiction as a socially awkward, academically overachieving assistant who wears glasses, checkered clothing, and openly critiques her superior in public. This portrayal has been criticized for reinforcing the “nerdy Asian” stereotype — particularly jarring in a film set within the high-fashion industry, where such traits are seen as incongruent with the glamorous setting. Social media users have noted that the character’s Ivy League credentials, including a Yale education and a 3.86 GPA, combined with her insecure demeanor, reflect a narrow and reductive view of Asian professionals. The backlash has grown across platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu, with users questioning why filmmakers chose a name so easily associated with a racist trope. Some have pointed out that the character’s behavior — openly criticizing superiors and displaying self-importance — contradicts typical expectations of workplace hierarchy in Asian cultures, further highlighting what critics see as a misunderstanding of Chinese social dynamics by Western creators. As of now, neither 20th Century Studios nor the film’s cast, including returning stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, have issued a public response to the criticism. The film’s release remains scheduled for upcoming weeks, though the ongoing controversy raises concerns about its reception in key international markets, particularly China. This incident underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in global film production, especially when depicting characters from marginalized communities. As audiences increasingly demand authentic and respectful representation, studios face growing pressure to consult cultural experts and avoid relying on outdated stereotypes, even in seemingly minor roles.
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