Photos: Julian Cheung and Morton Cheung / Weibo
Once you put it on the internet, it’s there forever. Unfortunately for Anita Yuen and Julian Cheung’s son Morton, his not so distant past came calling when an old rap video he made four years ago resurfaced online. Not that there’s anything wrong with making vids whilst attempting to rap. But when the lyrics, which include lines like “I asked if they can see, they should know, I’ve given them glasses, they’ve become the math pro, they from Guangzhou they see me eating dog they say they want some” plus the accompanying “squinty eyed” gestures appear to be making fun of Asians, oh you can bet Netizens weren’t taking it sitting down. Following the backlash, the 16-year-old took to social media today to apologise personally for his inappropriate words and actions.
“Hello everyone, this is Morton Cheung. I sincerely apologise for the trouble caused by my inappropriate words and actions. As for the rap video of myself from four years ago, I want to convey my heartfelt apologies. I am aware I made a big mistake, so to everyone: I’m sorry. I was wrong.” He added that he made a lot of mistakes growing up and people gave him a lot of advise and criticism. So each time he does something “stupid”, he said he will be open to receive everyone’s censure.
“Now that I’m about to turn 17, my mind is slowly maturing. I understand, that as a Chinese, I must take responsibility. I must own up to my mistakes and take the necessary actions to improve. I hope in the future, everyone will continue to guide and correct me so that I can continue to do better. Thank you all.”
This is not the first time the teenager came under fire for his actions. A few years ago, Morton caught a lot of flak from Chinese netizens for being unpatriotic and harboring a pro-Hong Kong independence stance. At the time, his mum Anita Yuen defended him and claimed responsibility for not teaching him properly. This time around, the almost 17-year-old himself took responsibility and expressed regret for his past actions.
Source: 1
Lisa
Do people like to bully children? He’s “almost 17”, so he’s still 16… 4 years ago, he was 12. While I don’t condone his actions, he was also a child that probably didn’t understand the racist nature of what he did. I hate how we’re quick to scold and judge, rather than educate in this day in age. People are still scolding him and his family under his IG apology for something he did as a 12 year old. Get a grip people!