Full Breakdown
Controversy Over Asian Stereotype in *The Devil Wears Prada 2* Sparks Boycott Calls
4/30/2026, 1:52:26 AM
Controversial Promotional Clip Triggers Racism Allegations
20th Century Studios released a promotional clip showing Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs meeting assistant Jin Chao, played by Helen J. Shen. Jin cites Yale credentials (3.86 GPA, Whiffenpoofs lead soprano, ACT 36) and offers to be replaced. Viewers in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong label the portrayal “blatant anti-Asian racism” that leans on nerdy Asian stereotypes.
Sequel Background and Release Plan
The original *The Devil Wears Prada* premiered in 2006. The sequel, scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026, has been promoted through online clips, including the contentious segment. The sequel arrives two decades after the 2006 hit, aiming to revive the franchise’s fashion-industry focus.
Studio Promotion and Filmmaker Commentary
On April 16, 2026 20th Century Studios posted a tweet promoting a new clip and the May 1 theatrical release. Filmmaker Joseph Kahn called the assistant’s outfit “very couture” and said the body-shape disparity stems from Hathaway’s size-diversity mandate, which he described as either virtue signaling or a push for a skinny, tall look. He added, “nerds don’t exist in Gen Z because they’re all awkward freaks and all dress like Nintendo cartoons.” 20th Century Studios has not issued a response. The omission has drawn further scrutiny from observers.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note three issues: the name “Jin Chao” echoes the slur “Ching Chong,” the character fits an academically elite yet socially awkward Asian stereotype, and the scene seems designed for humor, reinforcing harmful tropes and contradicting the franchise’s diversity claim. Critics warn the controversy could damage the franchise’s reputation for inclusivity.
Selected Social Media Quotes
- “The Devil Wears Prada, the promotion up to this point was really great, but right before the release, they suddenly hit us with blatant anti-Asian racism and flipped the car.” — X user, Japan
- “We are in 2026…” — X user, South Asia
- “What made them think we’ll find this kind of racism funny?” — X user, unspecified location
- “The Devil Wears Prada 2, Asian (Chinese), name is Chinchon, glasses, nerdy bookworm, even if they graduated from a prestigious school, they’re uncool. Hits us with the most blatant racial stereotype racism in 2026 and it gives me chills. Did they use this scene in the promo because it’s ‘funny’? #BoycottTheDevilWearsPrada2” — X post, >1 million views
Future Outlook
The film stays slated for worldwide release on May 1, 2026. Observers expect comments from 20th Century Studios or the creative team, and coordinated boycott actions in regions where criticism is strongest. If boycott momentum grows, the film’s box-office performance could be affected.
