Malaysian social influencer Cathryn Li’s controversial comment adds fuel to U.S. comedian Jocelyn Chia backlash firestorm

2 years ago 482

13th June 2023 – (New York) Malaysian authorities are collaborating with Interpol to locate New York-based Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia, following a comedy skit deemed offensive by many Malaysians. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani has confirmed that a formal request will be submitted to Interpol to obtain Chia’s identity and location, allowing the investigation to commence.

Chia’s case is being investigated under multiple sections of the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act. The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been asked to profile Chia’s social media accounts and provide a transcript of her speech in the controversial video clip.

The possibility of extraditing Chia to Malaysia for investigation remains uncertain, as does the potential for any charges being filed. The US and Malaysia have had an extradition treaty in place since 1995.

The uproar began when Chia made derogatory remarks about Malaysia during a comedy routine on the US-based internet show, The Comedy Cellar. Chia’s comments, particularly those related to the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, sparked outrage and calls for investigation from political group Umno Youth. Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon also issued an apology on behalf of Singapore, clarifying that Chia is now a naturalised U.S. citizen.

American comedian Chrissie Mayr took to Twitter to support Chia, arguing that the role of a comedian is to create laughter, even when tackling sensitive topics. Mayr’s comments were met with an onslaught of criticism from Malaysians, to which she responded by poking fun at their lack of humour. Mayr has received criticism from Malaysians for supporting Jocelyn Chia’s controversial remarks about Malaysia, but appears to be unfazed by it. In fact, Mayr has even welcomed ideas to make jokes about the 9/11 attack. In a Twitter post shortly after Chia’s MH370 remark caused a stir on the internet, Mayr stated that it’s never a comedian’s job to avoid sensitive subjects. She emphasised that a comedian’s role is to be funny, regardless of the topic.

Adding fuel to the fire, Malaysian social media influencer Cathryn Li sent an inflammatory message to Mayr in response to her support for Chia. Li, known for her attention-seeking behaviour, has been widely criticised for her inappropriate comments. Li sent Mayr an abusive message saying “FXXk you ugly white piece of trash for supporting Jocelyn Chia. Hope you get raped and disemboweled alive.” Mayr sarcastically responded that “she gets points for creativity.” This latest incident is just one in a series of controversies involving Li, who has a history of using social media to showcase her wealth and attract attention.

Li is no stranger to controversies. The narcissistic influencer frequently posts photos and shares details of her lavish lifestyle on social media to gain public attention. In March, Li threw tantrums during an online live streaming session after some viewers mocked her mediocre piano skills. Despite claiming to be a pianist, Li lamented that she was not informed beforehand that there would be a live keyboard performance, threatening that her agent would have charged the studio “a lot of money” had she known.

Li’s overreaction and sense of self-entitlement sparked criticisms that she was merely putting on an act to gain attention and prove her “wealth” and “skills.” A day after her outburst, Li posted a photo of her neck covered in what appeared to be blood, claiming that she had attempted suicide out of emotional distress but the wire she used was “too thin.” Many doubted the authenticity of her claims, believing it to be yet another bid for public sympathy and attention.

The influencer again caused a stir recently when she inadvertently revealed her substantial wealth in an Instagram post highlighting an unauthorised bank deduction of RM28 (US$7). Li’s failure to censor her bank balance in the shared screenshot showed an astonishing savings of RM40 million (US$9.8 million), confirming speculations that she comes from an affluent background. Her ostentatious display of wealth was seen as a deliberate move to showcase her privileged status and gain online notoriety.

Li’s abusive message to Mayr is the latest in her string of attention-seeking behaviours that continues to draw flak from the public. However, it remains to be seen if the backlash would deter Li from ceaselessly courting controversies and drama to satisfy her craving for the spotlight. She appears unable to handle criticisms, lashing out at any perceived slights to her overinflated ego and sense of self-importance. There are concerns that Li may be suffering from a mental health condition known as body dysmorphic disorder, given her seeming obsession with gaining validation and compulsive need for attention to cope with her insecurities.