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Gemma Chan worries for family as she launches anti-Asian hate charity

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

Gemma Chan has opened up about worrying for her family in the UK, as she launches an anti-Asian hate crime charity.

Hate crimes against East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) people have surged since the start of 2020 due to anti-Chinese sentiment, amid the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the increased hostility towards China.

Launching the ESEA Community Fund as a response to this, the Marvel star said money donated will go towards grassroots UK organisations "supporting ESEA and broader communities".

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

Related: Killing Eve's Sandra Oh gives passionate speech at Stop Asian Hate protest

Numerous ESEA stars, such as Henry Golding, Benedict Wong, Jessica Henwick, Rina Sawayama, and Alexa Chung, are backing the campaign. Asian American actors supporting the charity include Steven Yeun, Daniel Dae Kim, Olivia Munn, and Jon M Chu.

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"Whilst much of the focus regarding anti-Asian attacks has been on the US, we know the problem is global – including a disturbing rise in hate crimes against people of ESEA appearance in the UK," Chan wrote on Instagram.

"In London alone attacks have tripled over the past year.

"Like many others, I worry for family members every time they leave the house or use public transport. My mum has worked for the NHS for most of her life – she and my dad have been followed and subjected to a number of verbal assaults since the beginning of the pandemic."

Related: Chicago Med's Arden Cho opens up about racist attack while walking her dog

Chan brought up vicious physical attacks against East and Southeast Asian people in Edinburgh, Southampton, and London, and said that hate crime figures are "likely to be an underestimation because many incidents go unreported, both to the police and in the media".

"There is an urgent need for increased awareness and support so I am proud to help launch this fund," she added.

At the time of writing, the campaign has raised £54,000, with a target of £75,000. You can donate here.


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