Hong Kong protests: Jackie Chan sparks FURY for controversial 'sad and depressing' comment

The martial arts star broke his silence on the protests and said he hopes it “can return to peace soon”. The Hong Kong-born actor received a huge backlash on social media for his saying recent events are “sad and depressing”. It comes as thousands of protestors have taken part in historic marches against the city’s extradition bill.

Mr Chan said in an interview with CGTN: “When I saw on Weibo that CCTV had shown the ‘The Five-starred Red Flag has 1.4 Billion flag guards’, I came here immediately.

“On the other hand, I wanted to express the most basic principles of patriotism as a Hong Kong citizen and a Chinese. I am a national flag guard.

“Furthermore, I wanted to go to this event to represent everyone’s voice.

“Hong Kong and China are my birthplaces and my home. China is my country, I love my country, I love my home. I hope that Hong Kong can return to peace soon.”

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Social media users erupted in theory at the interview, according to the South China Morning Post.

One user said: “Hong Kong hates you.”

While another added: “Oh good old Jackie Chan. How does the CCP pill taste like? Pretty sure you enjoyed it much eh?”

A third person simply called Mr Chan “shameless”.

The comments come just months after hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets in the country’s biggest demonstration.

The new extradition bill proposed to send suspects to mainland China to face trial.

Critics to the bill said it would subject their citizens to China’s deeply flawed justice system, and would further lead to the erosion of the city’s judicial independence.

Now, pro-democracy protesters have overrun the main terminal at Hong Kong International Airport challenging police brutality, the extradition law and calling for more democracy.

The territory’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, has said plans for the extradition law are “dead” – but protesters have continued their action calling for it to be formally withdrawn.