Taiwanese actor fired from Chinese film over political stand

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, July 16: A Taiwanese actor has been dropped from a Chinese movie over his political stand – supporting independent Taiwan.

Celebrated Taiwanese actor, Leon Dai of ‘Reign of assassin’ fame has been sacked from the lead role of Chinese romantic comedy ‘No Other Love’ even though the shoots have been completed over his alleged support for independent Taiwan.

Earlier the Communist Youth League criticized Zhao Wei, the film’s director over Dai’s alleged support for Taiwanese independence. Calling for boycott of Zhao Wei-directed “No Other Love” and other films involving Dai on online campaign launched on their website and Weibo, Twitter-like Chinese Social media app, reports premier source of entertainment news variety.com, July 8.

The team behind No Other Love, a romantic comedy directed by popular Chinese performer Zhao Wei has fired Leon Dai after a recent statement from him on the issue failed to clarify his stance on the issue. A statement from the producers apologized for ‘hiring the wrong person’, the report adds.

“After multiple communications with Dai, his stance was still unclear as of last night. Therefore, the director and all investors unanimously agreed to remove Dai from his leading role. The director and the entire crew dedicates themselves wholeheartedly to China. We are all Chinese, and we firmly support the one China policy. Our country’s interests are our top priorities. Any ambiguous stance over the country and national identity is intolerable,” reads the statement issued by the producers on The Guardian, July 15.

Leon Dai is a decorated Taiwanese actor and film director. His film ‘Cannot Live Without You’ was Taiwan’s official entry to the 82nd Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. The film also bagged two awards at the 46th Golden Horse Film Awards.